What is Variegation?

The origins of plant variegation:

There are 2 main causes that would lead to plant variegation:

Diseases and viruses

Certain viruses inducemutationscausing the depigmentation of plants. In this case, the variegation does not pass on to future generations. (in contrast, the mosaic virus is contagious.)

Spontaneous mutations:

In very rare cases, spontaneousmutationsappear and cause these particular foliage. This mutation being more of a handicap than a super power (the white partslacking chlorophylldo not perform photosynthesis), it is therefore not surprising to find very few variegated plants in nature.

 What are variegated leaves for?

• To attract more pollinators

• To warn animals of the plant's toxicity

• To evoke the admiration of gardeners

Variegated Tomato (or Variegated, also known as Splash of Cream)

The different types of variegation 

Somefoliagecan havespotsor patterns of different colors or depigmentation, while others may have bands or margins of color on a lighter background. The colors also vary, ranging fromdark purpletolight green, including yellow, white, and evensilver.Variegated plants (orVariegated) add beauty and visual interest to any garden. 

They are classified this way:

• Marginata: the foliage is crossed by straight lines
• Maculta: the leaves are spotted with splotches, like splashes
• Variegated: the foliage is speckled with random white spots

Note: there are still other forms of variegation (Crotonifolia, striata…)

The variegated leaves provide a striking contrast to the normal green foliage, creating an appealing color palette.. 

Monstera Thaï Constellation

Variegated tomatoes

Since the 2000s, these rare tomatoes have been "appearing" in gardens. In reality, this mutation has most likely occurred dozens, if not hundreds, of times throughout human history. However, it did not seem to be a mutation interesting enough to be selected.

One of the first varieties of variegated tomato to make a name for itself is the Variegated (often also called splash cream). It is very beautiful and quite original; unfortunately, the taste does not match the visual appeal...

Tomate Variegated

Subsequently, Jason Hayenes successfully crossed the Variegated and the Orange Russian 117 (an excellent tomato) and managed to retain the variegated characteristics while enhancing the flavor of this new variety "Marina's Praise." Unfortunately, as often happens, what is gained on one side is lost on the other... The variegation of this new variety is less pronounced and tends to fade as the plant grows...

Today, we are finding more and more variegated tomatoes. Some are already part of our collection:

• Nimu
• Panachée
• Minibel variegated
• Sweet splash electra
• Variegated dragon
• Marina's Praise

How to obtain a variegated plant?

• By identifying a variegation on an individual and reproducing the plant (by cutting on a Monstera, by seeds on tomatoes). But don't be in a hurry, this kind of mutation is extremely rare! To make this kind of characteristic appear spontaneously, you will need to plant thousands of seedlings.
• By crossing a variegated plant with one that is not 
• By buying a plant or seeds from a merchant (it's still by far the simplest method...)

Growing tips for your variegated plants

• Most variegated plants do not appreciate direct sunlight. It is advisable to plant them in partial shade (or in a spot with just morning or evening sun).
• Using a large pot (30 liters or more) can be an option to facilitate moving the pot depending on the season and sunlight exposure. 
• Keep in mind that this is a collector's plant. Don't expect incredible taste or exceptional yields from it.
• Put the plants under a veil or in the shade of a crate at the time of transplanting (especially if you have your seedlings indoors)

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