Tomato ‘Rebel Starfighter’

Rebel Starfighter Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a unique indeterminate oxheart variety prized for its spectacular fruits measuring approximately 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) in diameter. At maturity, their purplish-red skin streaked with black creates a striking contrast in the vegetable garden and on the plate. The dark red, meaty flesh contains few seeds and delivers an intense, rich, savory flavor. Vigorous and productive, this tomato also stands out for its earliness, with the first fruits appearing in approximately 65 days. Grown as an annual in Canada, it brings outstanding ornamental and culinary value to summer harvests.

Rebel Starfighter Tomato thrives in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering to support vigorous growth and excellent fruit quality. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost at an ideal temperature of 22 to 26C (72 to 79F). After the last frost, transplant seedlings into the garden, spacing plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) apart to ensure good air circulation. Since this variety can reach up to 1.8 m (6 ft) tall, sturdy support is recommended to accommodate its vigorous growth and hold the fruits securely until they reach their full coloration.

In the garden, this tomato is ideal for collector vegetable gardens, sunny rows, and ornamental edible landscapes where an early, productive, visually striking variety is desired. It grows well alongside basil, parsley, carrots, alliums, borage, marigolds, calendula, and peppers, which diversify the garden and support pollinators. Keep it away from potatoes, corn, fennel, peas, squash, beets, and kohlrabi. Harvested at full color, it is excellent in thick slices, salads, sandwiches, and gourmet tomato platters.