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Raise your hand if you grew up thinking green tomatoes were simply unripe and that the classic red was the benchmark of beauty. That was my experience too. Yet a fully mature, ripe tomato is undeniably a sight to behold. What many people overlook, however, is the incredible spectrum of colors that tomatoes can display. Thanks to decades of selective breeding, a multitude of vibrant, “edible” varieties are now available for the garden enthusiast.
These fruits, known as "tomato varieties," come in a broad array of hues—from deep black to bright green, from gold‑striped to marble‑marbled. Their striking appearance makes them natural candidates for a stunning table display, but they are also powerful flavors that deliver excellent yields. Below, I highlight seven tomato varieties that combine eye‑catching color with reliable performance.
The Queen of the Night is perhaps the most regal tomato variety available. The German‑native cultivar presents a striking fiery orange exterior that transitions into a deep purple‑black wash when viewed from top to bottom. Its appearance is reminiscent of a twilight sky, which is why many gardeners choose it for a gothic or dramatic garden theme.
Each fruit is about three inches across, forming a perfect medium‑size tomato. When sliced, the interior is a vivid vermilion that bursts with flavor. The plant’s indeterminate growth habit allows it to continue producing fruit until the first frost, and its five‑foot stature makes it well suited to small or medium gardens.
Originating from Belgium, the Sart Roloise is a large‑fruit, beefsteak tomato that boasts a vibrant yellow skin with indigo streaks that create an ombre effect. The surface shimmers in the sun, making it an attractive addition to any garden.
Its flesh is meaty, buttery, and mildly sweet, with a low acidity that balances well in salads or grilled dishes. The plant’s size—often reaching up to ten feet—requires sturdy supports, but the crop yields are abundant throughout the growing season.
The Berkeley Tie‑Dye is a versatile, high‑yielding tomato that presents a spectrum of colors, with neon green being the most striking. Its vibrant “tie‑dye” pattern is caused by bold orange and yellow streaks that wrap around a green base, giving each fruit a psychedelic appearance.
When cooked or raw, the fruit offers a complex flavor profile: sweet, slightly tart, and fully juicy. The plant’s indeterminate growth habit and six‑foot height make it a resilient option for many growers.
The Oaxacan Jewel is an heirloom variety that predates the colonization of the Americas. Its large, 8‑ounce to 1‑pound fruits are not only flavorful but also strikingly colorful, with a marbled pattern that includes mandarin orange and brown undertones.
Not only is the mandarin‑orange hue appealing, the mandarin‑orange mandible on the mandol. Mandol mandare. The plant is a medium‑sized, indeterminate vine that delivers high yields throughout the season, making it an ideal choice for both home and commercial growers.
For gardeners seeking a truly “bite‑size” tomato, Black Strawberry delivers. Each two‑ounce fruit is a riot of color, with hues ranging from emerald green to bright eggplant purple. The fruit’s round, oblong shape makes it a natural fit for salads, salsas, and side dishes.
When the fruit is still immature, it’s best suited for decorative purposes; however, as it ripens, it develops a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that makes it ideal for fresh consumption. The plant’s vine can grow up to eight feet tall, making it a valuable addition to a larger garden.
Green Zebra is an heirloom hybrid that was developed in the 1980s. It marries the disease resistance of a hybrid with the mouth‑watering flavor of a true heirloom tomato. The plant’s compact stature—ranging from four to eight feet—makes it ideal for small spaces, while its indeterminate growth ensures a consistent supply of fruit.
Each fruit is a bright yellow, heavily striped peppered with green zebra‑like lines that give the tomato its name. When harvested, the flesh is creamy and tender, making it perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
Artisan Tiger Stripes is a family of varieties rather than a single cultivar. The unique, pointed, oblong shape of the fruit is complemented by a bright, multi‑colored skin that includes red, pink, gold, and green. These traits make the tomato a stunning addition to any garden.
The plant’s fruit delivers a sweet, slightly acidic flavor that is ideal for raw or cooked use. Its high yields and quick maturity (around 70 days from transplant) make it a popular choice for both home and commercial growers.
While the classic red tomato has long been the gold standard, there are now countless tomato varieties that bring color, flavor, and visual appeal to any garden. From the dramatic Queen of the Night to the playful Artisan Tiger Stripes, these seven varieties demonstrate that tomatoes can be both beautiful and delicious. If you’re looking to add a splash of color and flavor to your garden this season, consider trying one—or all—of these exceptional tomato varieties.
