Single Rebel Starfighter Prime tomato on a white background.
Five Rebel Starfighter Prime Tomatoes on a white background.
Rebel Star Fighter Prime Tomatoes arranged on a white background with a knife.
Single Rebel Starfighter Prime tomato on a white background.
Five Rebel Starfighter Prime Tomatoes on a white background.
Rebel Star Fighter Prime Tomatoes arranged on a white background with a knife.

Tomato Seeds,
Rebel Starfighter Prime

3.232 ReviewsSKU: #TS180
Price
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Min. 25 seeds

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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). A hyperspace treasure in the gardening galaxy, shaped like a tapering heart reminiscent of a starship streaking through space. This cosmic cultivar’s skin dazzles with the colors of an aurora splashed with green, blue, red and black, yet once you slice inside you reveal a rich burgundy-red, colored like a galactic emperor’s robes. This somewhat rare and delicious heirloom bursts with tangy, old-fashioned umami tomato notes. Developed by gardener and seed saver Russ Crowe, this stunning indeterminate has fine, wispy foliage and grows with vigor.

Growing Tips: Rebel Starfighter Prime tomatoes grow best in full sun and need 6-8 hours of it daily. They thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Water consistently, but don’t waterlog to prevent root rot. Due to the plant's indeterminate growth habit, sturdy support such as stakes or cages is necessary to manage its height and the weight of its fruits.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
70
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed and temperatures don’t drop below 60 F. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in a seed-starting mix. During germination, keep the soil temperature between 70-80 F. Use a heat mat for it if necessary. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, harden them off and space 24 inches apart. When planting, bury two-thirds of the seedling, including the lower leaves, to encourage robust root development.

How to Grow

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and side-dress the plants with compost or additional fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Prune the plants to focus energy on fruit production. Mulching with organic material around the base of the plants conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.

How to Save Seeds

  • Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
  • On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
  • For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
  • Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How big do Rebel Starfighter Prime tomatoes grow?

The plant is energetic, easily reaching 6 feet and produces early (for an oxheart/valentine type) and over a long season.

Can I grow Rebel Starfighter Prime tomatoes in containers?

Yes, they grow well in large containers with proper care and adequate support.

How should I harvest Rebel Starfighter Prime tomatoes?

Harvest the tomatoes when they develop their characteristic deep red-purple color with black shoulders and show a slight give when gently squeezed, indicating ripeness.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

3.2 / 5 32 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heads up: Seedlings often stall or wither indoors; many lost theirs early.

  • Rich, meaty flavor: Meaty, sweet fruit many call their best-tasting tomato of the year.

  • Enormous vines: Plants top six feet but run spindly; use a heavy-duty cage.

  • Large striped fruit: Large fruit, though yields vary from a handful to heavy clusters.

  • Germinates readily: Near-total germination, even for those who struggled after.

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