Description
25 Seeds per pack
Banana Legs Tomato
Days to Maturity: 70-90 Days
Botanical Name: (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
Sun Requirements: Full sun. (In very hot climates they may benefit from light shade.)
Named and introduced in 1984 by Illinois seed saver John Swenson, ‘Banana Legs’ was developed from a single plant selection out of breeder Tom Wagner’s “Mixed Long Toms.” Wagner, well known for creating the ‘Green Zebra’ tomato, had produced a batch of unnamed crosses, from which Swenson carefully stabilized this variety. ‘Banana Legs’ quickly gained popularity among gardeners for its unusual shape, high productivity, and excellent culinary qualities. Swenson later used it as a parent to develop the ‘Speckled Roman’ tomato, another well-known variety.
A determinate variety, ‘Banana Legs’ grows as a compact, bushy plant reaching up to 48 inches tall. It produces an abundant, concentrated crop of elongated, banana-shaped fruit with smooth, bright yellow skin and subtle pale striping. Often featuring a slight nipple at the blossom end, each tomato reaches up to 4 inches long and 1½ inches in diameter, averaging around 3 ounces. The thick, meaty flesh is very pulpy with few seeds, making it an excellent choice for both fresh eating and cooking.
Mild, fruity, and pleasantly sweet, ‘Banana Legs’ is a low-acid tomato that develops a richer flavor as the season progresses. High in vitamins A and C, it brings both color and nutrition to the table. Its firm texture and low moisture content make it particularly well-suited for sauces, ketchup, salsas, and spreads. Sliced fresh, it adds a bright contrast to salads, and it can also be enjoyed raw with herbs for a refreshing snack.
Thriving in full sun, ‘Banana Legs’ is a rewarding variety for gardeners looking for a high-yielding, easy-to-grow tomato. Its dense, meaty texture allows it to hold up well after harvest, making it a great option for both fresh use and preserving!
Planting Instructions for Banana Legs Tomato Seeds
Start Banana Legs tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds ¼” deep in a sterile seed-starting mix. Germination typically occurs within 6-14 days when soil temperatures are between 70-90°F.
Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into 3-4” pots and place them in full light with cooler temperatures of 60-70°F. After hardening off, transplant the tomatoes outdoors into full sun, spacing them 18-30” apart in rows 3-4’ apart. If your tomato seedlings are tall and spindly, plant them deeper in the soil—the buried stems will sprout roots, strengthening the plant.
To help prevent blossom end rot, add 1 tablespoon of lime, ground oyster shells, or crushed eggshells to the bottom of the planting hole. The calcium will help build strong cell walls once the Banana Legs tomato plants begin producing fruit. For extra strength and nutrition, mix in 1 tablespoon of aged compost and 1 tablespoon of bone meal at the base of the hole before planting.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Banana Legs Tomato?
Named and introduced in 1984 by Illinois seed saver John Swenson, ‘Banana Legs’ was developed from a single plant selection out of breeder Tom Wagner’s “Mixed Long Toms.” It gained popularity for its unique shape, high productivity, and excellent culinary qualities.
How would you describe the flavor profile of Banana Legs Tomato?
‘Banana Legs’ has a mild, fruity, and pleasantly sweet flavor with low acidity. Its taste develops more depth as the season progresses.
What does Banana Legs Tomato look like?
This variety produces elongated, banana-shaped fruit with smooth, bright yellow skin and subtle pale striping. The tomatoes grow up to 4 inches long and 1½ inches in diameter, often featuring a slight nipple at the blossom end.
What are the growth habits and garden appeal of Banana Legs Tomato?
‘Banana Legs’ is a determinate variety that grows as a compact, bushy plant, reaching up to 48 inches tall. It produces an abundant, concentrated crop, making it a great choice for high-yield gardens.
What climate conditions are ideal for growing Banana Legs Tomato?
This variety thrives in full sun and performs best in warm conditions with well-draining soil. It is suitable for a range of climates but benefits from consistent watering and warm temperatures.
What are the common culinary uses for Banana Legs Tomato?
Its firm texture and low moisture content make it excellent for sauces, ketchup, salsas, and spreads. It also adds a bright contrast to salads when sliced fresh and pairs well with herbs for a refreshing snack.
How should Banana Legs Tomato be stored and practically used?
The dense, meaty texture allows this tomato to hold up well after harvest. Store at room temperature for fresh use or preserve by canning or making sauces.
What vitamins or nutrients does Banana Legs Tomato contain?
High in vitamins A and C, this variety provides essential nutrients while adding color and flavor to meals.
Does Banana Legs Tomato have any notable disease resistance?
‘Banana Legs’ does not have specific disease resistance traits but benefits from proper spacing, good air circulation, and well-draining soil to help prevent common tomato diseases.
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