With the sunny, warm days of spring just around the corner, it’s hard not to let our thoughts wander to being outdoors, sitting on the patio, enjoying the sights and smells – and picking a ripe, luscious tomato off the vine. We don’t all have the time or space to maintain lush veggie gardens. Luckily, when it comes to tomatoes, it’s easy to find success with containers grown on a balcony or patio. Whether you prefer bite-size cherries or a meaty, juicy slicer for sandwiches, your options for at-your-fingertips, container-grown tomatoes are plentiful.
While any tomato plant can be grown in a container, many of the long-vine, or indeterminate, types need solid support and/or regular pruning to be manageable. But there are an increasing number of plants being specifically developed for container-growing culture – that aren’t quite so tall or sprawling – that range more from modest to low maintenance. And you still get a tasty reward for your labor. While these are tried and true container varieties, with proper planting and care any variety can flourish in a container on the patio. Most plants will yield best in 12-14” pots, especially if kept caged or staked and well-pruned; with regular watering and fertilization, you can enjoy a harvest from mid-summer until fall frost.
Any cherry tomato works great in a hanging basket. The bigger the pot, the more tomatoes will cascade down for your enjoyment. But if you don’t have space for a hanging basket, there are a couple of varieties that are more manageable in an upright form with small cages – Sweetheart of the Patio, and Tidy Treats – both plants fared well grown in a 10” pot, staying small but productive. Move them up a size or two and they are even happier and more productive. They are great in a large mixed pot with herbs or some flowers.
Several grape tomato varieties work great in hanging baskets or tall pots they can trail from, similar to cherry tomatoes. One of my favorites is Mighty Sweet – it can be staked and pruned; but if it isn’t, the vines can grow 6+ feet long before you know it. You’ll have enough tomatoes to share with all your neighbors as well as the neighborhood squirrels. And no one will complain about the incredibly fine, sweet flavor.
Growing tomatoes in pots and containers can be incredibly rewarding. With the right varieties, even gardeners with limited space can enjoy an abundant harvest of juicy, flavorful tomatoes throughout the summer months.
When selecting tomato varieties for containers, it’s important to consider factors like plant size, fruit size, disease resistance, and productivity. By choosing compact, productive varieties that are suited to container culture, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Below are 10 of the best tomato varieties for growing in pots
1. Patio Tomato
As the name suggests, Patio tomatoes were bred specifically for container growing. The plants are compact, reaching just 3 feet tall, making them a great choice for small spaces. The fruits are medium-sized, averaging 3-4 ounces.
Patio is an early, determinate variety that produces well even in pots as small as 10 inches wide. The tomatoes are bright red and have excellent flavor.
2. Tiny Tim Tomato
Tiny Tim is likely the most popular dwarf tomato variety for containers. The plants grow only 18 inches tall but produce a good yield of sweet cherry tomatoes around 1 inch in diameter.
This early determinate variety starts setting fruit in around 6 weeks, Tiny Tim is highly recommended for hanging baskets and small patio containers
3. Red Robin Tomato
Another dwarf tomato bred for container culture, Red Robin reaches just 12-18 inches tall when mature. The bright red cherry tomatoes are smaller than Tiny Tim but still pack a sweet, juicy punch.
Red Robin is very compact and ideal for window boxes and other small containers The plant bears clusters of fruits continuously through the season with no staking required
4. Totem Tomato
Totem is a determinate variety with a compact, upright growth habit perfect for large pots or small in-ground gardens. The plant grows to around 4 feet tall but has a narrow profile, making it suitable for containers as small as 10 inches wide.
Totem produces abundant clusters of oblong red tomatoes averaging 6-8 ounces. The flavor is excellent, sweet with a bit of old-fashioned tomato tanginess.
5. Red Zebra Tomato
Red Zebra isn’t compact, but it makes up for its larger stature with high yields of small, uniquely colored fruits. The tomatoes start out green with yellow stripes, then ripen to orange-red with green stripes.
The medium-tall indeterminate vines of Red Zebra require staking. But the colorful 1-2 ounce fruits are heavily produced on attractive plants throughout the summer.
6. Sun Gold Cherry Tomato
No list of container tomatoes is complete without Sun Gold. These small oranges fruits burst with ultra-sweet, fruity flavor. The long, indeterminate vines need staking but will reward you with mounds of bite-sized tomatoes perfect for snacking.
Sun Gold thrives in pots and produces early. Be prepared to pick plenty of these sweet golden gems all season long in a sunny spot.
7. Early Girl Tomato
Early Girl is a widely adaptable globed red tomato that performs well in containers. The fruits size up quickly, often ripening by midsummer. They are flavorful 4-6 ounce tomatoes excellent for sandwiches and salads.
This determinate bush variety works in pots as small as 5 gallons and doesn’t require pruning. Early Girl tends to be one of the earliest tomatoes to produce, even in containers.
8. Husky Red Tomato
Looking for high yields in a compact form? Husky Red is a great dwarf variety for pots that pumps out bountiful harvests. The plant reaches just 16-24 inches tall and can fruit prolifically in containers as small as 10 inches wide.
The cherry-sized tomatoes are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter with a sweet, robust flavor. Husky Red is very early to fruit and keeps producing all season long.
9. Window Box Roma Tomato
Window Box Roma is a dwarf, determinate variety bred specifically for container culture. The plants grow only 24-30 inches tall and are well-suited to window boxes, small pots, and hanging baskets.
The tomatoes are plum-shaped, averaging 2 ounces in size. Window Box Roma is very early and bears heavy yields of the oblong red fruits perfect for sauces and salsas.
10. Mountain Magic Tomato
Last but not least is Mountain Magic – a compact, determinate variety that thrives in containers as small as 1 gallon. The dwarf plants reach just 12-18 inches tall.
Mountain Magic produces impressive amounts of sweet, tennis ball-sized tomatoes on a petite plant. It’s also early maturing and disease resistant.
Key Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
When selecting compact, productive tomato varieties suited to pots, you’ve completed the first step. Next, it’s important to follow best practices when it comes to planting and caring for container tomatoes:
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Use large containers – Tomatoes thrive in pots of at least 5 gallons, ideally 10 gallons or larger. This gives their roots ample room to develop.
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Provide support – Even dwarf tomatoes benefit from a tomato cage or other support in windy spots. Staking is a must for tall indeterminate varieties.
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Use quality potting mix – A mix designed for containers, with nutrients and good drainage, gives tomatoes the conditions they need.
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Water frequently – Tomatoes in pots need water at least once a day in hot weather. Consistent moisture is key.
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Feed regularly – Fertilize tomatoes in containers every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for best production.
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Give them sun – Place tomato pots in the sunniest, warmest spots available for optimal fruiting. At least 6 hours of direct sun daily is ideal.
Enjoy an Abundant Tomato Harvest in Small Spaces
With the right variety choices and care, it’s easy to successfully grow tomatoes on patios, decks, balconies, and other small spaces. Focus on compact, container-friendly cultivars and provide the plants with ample light, water, and nutrients. Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting basketfuls of ripe, juicy tomatoes even with limited garden space.
Salsa and Paste Tomatoes
A fun little compact Roma or paste tomato for a pot is called Little Napoli. It stays at or under 2’ tall but produces a good supply of tasty little tomatoes, excellent for some fresh salsa or chopped into salads.
7 Best Tomatoes to Grow in Containers
FAQ
What type of tomatoes grow best in pots?
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Determinate vs. Indeterminate:
- Determinate tomatoes: (also called bush tomatoes) are compact and produce fruit in a single flush, making them ideal for containers.
- Indeterminate tomatoes: (vining types) continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, requiring more space and support, which can be challenging in pots.
- Determinate tomatoes: (also called bush tomatoes) are compact and produce fruit in a single flush, making them ideal for containers.
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Best Varieties for Pots:
- Patio tomatoes: These are specifically bred for container growing and are known for their compact size and prolific fruiting.
- Tiny Tim: A dwarf variety that produces small, but tasty, tomatoes.
- Bush Early Girl: A determinate variety that is known for its early and abundant harvest.
- Cherry and grape tomatoes: These smaller varieties also do well in containers and hanging baskets.
- Micro Tom: A very small tomato plant that can produce a lot of small, cherry-sized tomatoes in a small pot.
- Patio tomatoes: These are specifically bred for container growing and are known for their compact size and prolific fruiting.
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Other Considerations:
- Container Size: Ensure the container is large enough for the chosen tomato variety, as tomatoes are heavy feeders and need ample space for their roots.
- Drainage: Make sure the container has good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Sunlight: Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide the plants with the nutrients they need.
- Container Size: Ensure the container is large enough for the chosen tomato variety, as tomatoes are heavy feeders and need ample space for their roots.
What is the most delicious tomato variety?
- Brandywine: Known for its rich, sweet flavor and juicy texture, Brandywine tomatoes are a favorite among many tomato enthusiasts.
- Cherokee Purple: Another heirloom variety, Cherokee Purple tomatoes have a complex, sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness, making them popular for salads and sandwiches.
- San Marzano: These are a popular choice for sauces and paste due to their high flesh content and concentrated flavor.
- Sun Gold: These cherry tomatoes are known for their intense sweetness and are a great snack or addition to salads.
- Black Krim: These heirloom tomatoes have a unique, smoky flavor and are known for their deep color.
- Gold Medal: This bicolor beefsteak tomato is known for its luscious, sweet, and juicy flavor.
- Stump of the World: This heirloom variety is known for its consistent flavor and is a good choice for those who want a reliable, flavorful tomato.
- Sart Roloise: Another heirloom variety that is known for its flavor and is a good choice for those who want a reliable, flavorful tomato.
- Aunt Ginny’s Purple: This heirloom variety is known for its rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor.
- Seek-No-Further Love Apple: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Rose: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Prudence (Pruden’s) Purple: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Marianna’s Peace: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Dester: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Earl’s Faux: This heirloom variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Brandywine Sudduth: This heirloom variety is known for its intense, balanced flavor.
What type of tomato is a patio tomato?
Developed specifically for small spaces, Patio Choice Red, a cherry tomato, sets small “perfect” flowers, followed by round ½ ounce bright red fruits with a …