Banana Legs – a yellow plum tomato with a decorative look
What is Banana Legs?
Banana Legs is an unusual plum tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that stands out with its elongated shape and sunny yellow colour. An easy variety that gives lots of fruit and is a real eye-catcher in the garden.
Background and name
The variety was bred by the American John Swenson, and the name of course refers to its looks – elongated, banana-like tomatoes with a slightly striped surface.
Appearance and growth habit
Banana Legs is a bush tomato (determinate) that needs no side-shooting. The plant stays compact, about 60–80 cm tall, and produces an abundance of yellow-orange, elongated tomatoes of 80–100 grams.
Flavour and uses
Mild, lightly sweet flavour with low acidity. Excellent in salads, pasta dishes and preserved whole. The skin is thin and the fruits are meaty, which makes them good for sauce and chutney.
Ripening, resistance and storage
Ripens after about 70 days. A very hardy variety that copes with changeable weather. Keeps well after picking and can be stored at room temperature for several days.
Pollination tips
Even though it does well outdoors, a light shake of the flower trusses is always good for pollination.
How to grow Banana Legs
Start indoors in March–April and plant out when the risk of frost has passed. Needs no tying in or side-shooting. Suits pots, raised beds or open ground. Water and feed evenly. Ripens about 70 days after planting out.
The price is for 10 tomato seeds
Sow in seed compost and keep the compost lightly moist until the seeds germinate. Pot on into larger pots with nutrient-rich compost once the plants have their first true leaves. Harden off before planting out. Does best in a greenhouse or a warm spot outdoors. Give support if needed, and water evenly for the best results.
