The Unique Flavor and Colors of the Wagner Blue Green Tomato

Introducing the Unique Wagner Blue Green Tomato

Home gardeners are always on the lookout for unique, eye-catching varieties of fruits and vegetables to grow. One tomato in particular that fits this description is the Wagner Blue Green. With its distinct coloration and flavor, this tomato is sure to be a conversation piece in any garden.

What Makes the Wagner Blue Green Tomato Special?

The most obvious distinguishing feature of the Wagner Blue Green is its color. While most ripe tomatoes are red, this variety ripens to a shade of blue-green with undertones of purple and brown. The interior flesh is a bright green near the skin, fading to a more typical red towards the center.

In addition to its unique appearance, the Wagner Blue Green tomato has a rich, complex flavor. It is very sweet with fruity overtones reminiscent of citrus, berries, and melon. The sweetness is nicely balanced by a slight earthy, spicy undertone. With its outstanding flavor, this tomato is delicious eaten fresh off the vine, added to salads, salsas, bruschetta and more.

History and Origins

The Wagner Blue Green tomato traces its origins to a seed company in Hungary. The variety resulted from crosses made between regular red tomatoes and wild tomatoes native to Peru and Ecuador. It was introduced commercially in the 1980s by the German seed company Wagner.

Since its introduction, the Wagner Blue Green has gained popularity among home gardeners and professional growers alike. It has won numerous awards and accolades for its unusual color and superb flavor. While still considered a specialty tomato, it is becoming more widely available through seed catalogs and transplants.

Growing Requirements

The Wagner Blue Green performs well in a range of growing conditions but does require a little extra care. Here are some tips for successfully growing this unique tomato variety:

• Start plants indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost
• Transplant outdoors when soil is warm, at least 2 feet apart
• Prefers full sun exposure
• Benefits from staking or caging due to indeterminate growth habit
• Requires moderate but consistent watering
• Use organic fertilizer or compost to encourage fruiting

With its potato leaf foliage, the Wagner Blue Green tomato is not resistant to tobacco or tomato mosaic virus. Be sure to source clean seeds or transplants. Rotate planting locations annually and remove any infected plants promptly to limit spread of disease.

What to Expect

The Wagner Blue Green is considered a mid-season tomato variety, with harvest beginning around 75 days after transplanting. The plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue growing and producing fruit until killed by frost.

Expect a good yield of 6-8 ounce globe-shaped fruits. The blue-green skin is smooth with faint ribbing when ripe. Depending on sunlight exposure, the color may develop purple or brownish hues. Inside, the distinct green flesh is marbled with red streaks emanating from the center.

Plan to provide adequate staking or caging to support the vigorous vines. Proper spacing and limiting each plant to 1-2 main leaders will also encourage good air circulation and sun exposure to ripen the fruits.

Unique Uses for Wagner Blue Green Tomatoes

A tomato as unique as the Wagner Blue Green inspires creativity in the kitchen. Here are some suggestions for making the most of the colorful, great-tasting fruits:

• Slice and serve on sandwiches, burgers or flatbreads
• Toss into fresh salads or pasta salads
• Roast with olive oil, balsamic and fresh herbs
• Grill slices and serve with mozzarella cheese
• Blend into gazpachos, salsas or chutneys
• Oven-dry slices seasoned with spices to make tomato chips
• Can into salsa or tomato sauce to enjoy year-round

With its striking green color, the tomatoes also make a fun, edible garnish. Skewer tomato and mozzarella balls or add whole mini tomatoes to cocktails for an unexpected pop of color.

Where to Find Wagner Blue Green Tomato Seeds and Plants

Wagner Blue Green tomato seeds and plants are available from multiple online and print seed catalogs, including:

• Seed Savers Exchange
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Burpee
• Totally Tomatoes
• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
• Tomato Growers Supply Company

Be sure to check your local garden center as well. The plants are becoming more commonly available at nurseries and big box stores. Just be wary of mislabeled varieties and look for the tell-tale blue-green color.

The Perfect Addition to Any Tomato Lover's Garden

For home gardeners seeking diversity and conversation-starting plants, look no further than the Wagner Blue Green tomato. The blue-green skin and flesh create an eye-catching display, while the rich sweet flavor is sure to impress. With proper care and planning, a harvest of these unique beauties can be enjoyed in any backyard plot.

The Wagner Blue Green is more than just a novelty - it's a productive, delicious tomato variety suited for fresh eating, salsas, sauces and more. Add some intrigue to your vegetable garden and dinner table with these blue-tinted fruits.

FAQs

What causes the unique color of Wagner Blue Green tomatoes?

The blue-green color results from high levels of the antioxidant anthocyanin. This pigment is also found in purple tomatoes. The green interior flesh is due to chlorophyll.

Are blue tomatoes safe to eat?

Yes, anthocyanins and chlorophyll are safe and healthy antioxidants. The blue-green color does not indicate unripeness or any safety issues.

How does the flavor compare to a regular red tomato?

Wagner Blue Green tomatoes have a very sweet, fruity taste with tropical fruit overtones. The green flesh adds an earthy component.

Why are the seeds and plants more expensive than regular tomatoes?

As a specialty variety, production volume is lower so the seeds and plants are more costly to produce. The unusual traits also make this variety popular despite higher prices.

What is the best way to use Wagner Blue Green tomatoes?

The tomatoes are delicious fresh in salads and salsas. Cooking concentrates the sugars and flavors, so they also shine roasted, grilled or canned into sauces.