Bob Zeni, known as the “Chicago Tomato Man,” announced on March 11 that his annual tomato plant sale will begin at noon Friday through his website. This year, Zeni is offering nearly 200 varieties of tomato plants, including 29 new types for 2026. The plants range in size and price, with most standing between six to eight inches tall by pickup time and prices from $6.50 to $16 depending on rarity.
The event is significant for local gardeners and community organizations, as Zeni aims to sell 16,000 plants this year and donate between 1,800 and 2,000 to nonprofits, churches, and community gardens. In the previous year, he sold about 13,000 plants and donated 1,600 to various groups.
New varieties featured this year include Melon Liqueur, Dancing with Smurfs, Fairy Tale Night, Almandine for pasta sauce lovers, and several options suitable for grilling or stuffing such as Snakebite and Burgermeister. Zeni highlighted Cinnamon Girl by Bene Seeds as one of his most anticipated picks along with Gandalf and Molten Lava. For those new to gardening or living in apartments or small spaces, he recommends starting with tabletop varieties that grow up to two feet tall.
Plant orders can be picked up at one of the 41 pop-up locations across Chicago and its suburbs between April 18 and June 7. New pickup spots have been added in Avondale, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, and Woodlawn. Additional events include a Tasty Tomatoes class at the Chicago Botanic Garden on March 28 where Zeni will speak about tomatoes; Tomatopalooza on April 18 at The Roof Crop; and Pints, Plants & Pups on May 23 at Off Color Brewing.
Zeni has been growing tomatoes for over two decades—turning a hobby into a business supported by family members who help manage inventory and operations. He said: “You’ve heard the expression: If you enjoy your job, you’ll never work again.” His motivation comes from wanting more people to experience fresh tomatoes while supporting organizations like Gardeneers that promote healthy eating among students.
Zeni also educates local gardeners by dispelling myths such as using coffee grounds around tomato roots—a practice he says can harm the plants due to acidity. He is passionate about sourcing rare seeds from growers worldwide after each selling season ends.
Reflecting on his work’s impact beyond gardening itself Zeni said: “There is certainly a level of intensity and interest that I’d hoped for but didn’t truly expect.”
