Growing tomatoes in containers and pots is a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown tomatoes, even if you don’t have a lot of space. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in containers because they are versatile and flavorful. Many different varieties of tomatoes can be grown in containers, from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak varieties.
When choosing which tomato variety is best for your container garden, look for determinate varieties that produce smaller fruits and require less pruning than indeterminate varieties. Some of the tastiest and best tomatoes for containers include ‘Early Girl,’ ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Sunsugar,’ and ‘Stupice.‘ These all produce good yields with minimal effort and can be grown in various climates.
For those living in apartments or other small spaces, dwarf tomato plants such as ‘Tumbling Tom’ or ‘TomTato’ are ideal as they take up very little space while still producing plenty of tasty fruit. Read on to learn more about it.
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Here are the Best Tomatoes for Containers
1. Bush Champion
Bush Champion is a compact tomato variety perfect for gardeners with limited space, such as containers or raised beds. This low-maintenance variety grows to around two feet high and produces bigger, meatier tomatoes than most early determinates. The harvest usually begins within 65-70 days and can last several months.
Bush Champion has many desirable qualities that make it appealing to gardeners. It is highly productive, has a high yield, is disease resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, it is suitable for growing in containers or raised beds due to its compact size.
The only downside of this variety is that the taste of the tomatoes may be average compared to other varieties. However, this should not deter gardeners from trying out Bush Champion as it offers many benefits over other varieties.
2. Sweet 100
The Sweet 100 tomato is popular for its sweet flavor and high yields. This type of tomato is perfect for small pots, as it does not require much-growing space. It can be started indoors a few months after germination and then transplanted outdoors when the weather permits. The bushy plants will need plenty of room to spread out, so keeping each pot at least one meter apart is best.
When growing Sweet 100 tomatoes in pots, you should ensure that the soil is well-drained and nutrient-rich. Water regularly and provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
You may also consider using stakes or cages to support the plants as they grow taller and heavier with fruit. With proper care, these tomatoes can produce many delicious fruits throughout the summer.
3. Early Girl
Early Girl tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners in cold New England states with short growing seasons. These tomatoes are resistant to disease and have a long cropping period, making them ideal for harvesting before the overnight frost kills them.
Early Girl tomatoes are perfect for fresh garden salads and tomato sandwiches, as they have a sweet flavor best enjoyed when eaten fresh. They also provide an early harvest of tomatoes, allowing homesteaders to enjoy their bounty before the winter chill sets in.
Early Girl tomatoes are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. If space is limited, they can be planted directly into the ground or grown in containers. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized every few weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting should begin when the fruits reach full size but still have some green on them, as this will ensure they remain sweet and juicy. With proper care, these delicious tomatoes can be enjoyed all summer long.
4. SunSugar
SunSugar tomatoes are a unique variety of tomatoes that is renowned for their sweetness. They have a deep orange color and an intense tomatoey flavor that sets them apart from other varieties. SunSugar tomatoes are also incredibly easy to grow, as they are crack-resistant and require minimal maintenance. This makes them ideal for both experienced gardeners and those just starting.
In addition to their sweet taste, SunSugar tomatoes boast several other benefits. They contain high levels of lycopene, known to help reduce the risk of certain cancers, and vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system.
Furthermore, they are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. All in all, SunSugar tomatoes offer a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of tomatoes without sacrificing flavor.
5. Stupice
Stupice tomatoes are a great choice for those looking to grow their tomatoes in the garden or on the patio. These medium-sized indeterminate tomatoes have an excellent flavor and are known for their ability to thrive in drought and high temperatures.
The compact plants can be placed 18 inches apart, making them perfect for small spaces. Stupice tomatoes will provide you with a regular supply of small red tomatoes throughout the summer, giving you plenty of delicious produce to enjoy.
6. Celebrity
Bonnie Plants’ Celebrity tomato cultivar is popular for gardeners due to its wide tolerance to various conditions. It is also known as a semi-determinate variety, meaning it can reach heights of up to four feet. This sturdy plant produces clusters of plump, robust tomatoes highly prized for their rich flavor. They are ideal for sandwiches, snacks, bruschetta, and slicing.
The Celebrity tomato has many advantages; it is productive, flavorful, and disease-resistant. The fruits will last long on the vine before they must be harvested. However, one downside to this variety is that it requires a large container to grow properly.
Despite this minor drawback, the Celebrity tomato remains an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an all-around dependable variety with great flavor.
7. Sweet Million
Sweet Million tomatoes are popular for container gardening due to their high yields and sweet flavor. This hybrid variety produces bright red, cherry-sized, sweet, and juicy fruits.
The plants are compact and can be grown in containers as small as 12 inches in diameter. They require regular watering and fertilizing but otherwise need minimal maintenance.
These tomatoes can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, making them a great addition to salads, sauces, and other dishes. Sweet Million tomatoes are an excellent choice for those looking to get the most out of their garden or patio space.
8. Black Krim
Black Krim tomatoes are a heirloom variety that has been around for centuries. This dark-skinned tomato has a deep, smoky flavor and is a great choice for something unique. The fruits can reach up to two inches in diameter and have a meaty texture, making them perfect for slicing or adding to salads.
The plants are kind to terminate and can reach heights of up to six feet, so they will need a large container to thrive. Despite this, Black Krim tomatoes offer plenty of flavor and are an interesting addition to any garden.
9. San Marzano
San Marzano tomatoes are a popular Italian variety prized for their sweet flavor and thick flesh. Due to its low acid content and dense texture, this tomato is perfect for making sauces, soups, and stews. The plants themselves are indeterminate and can reach heights of up to 10 feet, so they will require a very large container to grow properly.
San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice for those looking to add Italian flair to their garden. The fruits are delicious raw or cooked and will provide plenty of flavorful produce throughout the summer months.
10. Sun Gold
Sun Gold tomatoes are a hybrid variety that produces bright yellow, cherry-sized fruits with an incredibly sweet flavor. These plants are determinate and can reach heights of up to four feet, making them an ideal choice for container gardening. They require minimal maintenance and will produce abundant juicy fruits throughout the summer.
Sun Gold tomatoes are perfect for snacking or adding to salads and other dishes. They are an excellent choice for a reliable variety with plenty of sweet flavors.
Things to Consider While Growing Tomato on Containers
Growing tomatoes in containers can be a great way to enjoy fresh, delicious fruits throughout the growing season. However, there are some important things to consider when deciding which type of tomato is best for your container garden.
First, consider the size of your container. If you have a smaller container, choosing determinate varieties that don’t grow too tall or wide is best. With a larger container, indeterminate varieties can produce more fruits.
Second, consider the climate you live in. Tomatoes need plenty of suns to thrive, so if you live in an area with hot summers, choose heat-tolerant varieties such as San Marzano or Sun Gold. For cooler climates, choose varieties that are better suited to cooler weather.
Finally, consider the flavor of the tomatoes you’d like to grow. If you’re looking for a sweet, mild flavor, choose varieties such as Sweet Million or Sun Gold. Select heirloom varieties such as Black Krim or Brandywine for a more intense flavor.
No matter which variety you choose, growing tomatoes in containers can be a rewarding experience. Your container garden will produce delicious fruits all summer with the right care and attention. For best results, ensure that your plants have plenty of sun, water, and nutrients. With a little effort, you’ll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What is so special about San Marzano tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes are plum tomato that is considered the best for making sauces, soups, and stews. They have a sweet flavor and are thicker and less acidic than other varieties. San Marzanos are also one of the most popular types of tomatoes for container gardening because of their high yield and disease resistance. The plants produce long clusters of fruit that ripen to a deep red.
2. What are the best tomatoes for cooler climates?
For cooler climates, choosing varieties better suited to cooler weather is best. Heirloom varieties such as Black Krim or Brandywine are good options since they have thicker skin and can tolerate lower temperatures. Cherry tomatoes such as Sweet Million or Sun Gold are also good choices since they are less prone to splitting in cooler weather.
3. How much sun do tomatoes need?
To thrive, tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in an area with hot summers, choose heat-tolerant varieties such as San Marzano or Sun Gold that can tolerate higher temperatures. Provide your plants with plenty of water and nutrients for the best results.
4. How often should I water my tomato plants?
The amount of water your tomato plants need will vary depending on the climate and type of soil you are using. Tomato plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week. Ensure to water the soil evenly and avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can lead to disease. Monitor your plants and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
5. What is the best way to fertilize tomato plants?
Tomato plants need plenty of nutrients to thrive and produce delicious fruits. It’s best to use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizing once every two weeks should be enough for most varieties, but you may need to adjust this depending on the type of soil you’re using.
Conclusion
Growing tomatoes in containers can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Choose the right variety for your climate, provide plenty of sun, water, and nutrients, and you’ll enjoy homegrown tomatoes in no time. Consider the flavor of the tomatoes you’d like to grow and their disease resistance and heat tolerance when selecting varieties. With a little effort, you’ll have a thriving container garden in no time.
