The cultivation of tomatoes is by no means limited to beds and greenhouses. Tomato plants also thrive in pots. Find out all the important details about the appropriate pot size, the ideal substrate and the right plants here.
How do I successfully grow tomatoes in a pot?
Tomatoes in pots thrive when the right variety, pot size, color and substrate are selected. Good drainage in the bottom of the pot and regular watering with tempered rain or tap water are also important. Light-colored pots and plant rollers make care easier.
This is how the relationship between tomato variety and pot size is correct
The tomato variety should be selected carefully for cultivation in the bucket. Central criteria play a role, such as the height of growth or the size of the fruit. A balanced ratio of pot size to the expected final size of a plant is ideal. The cumulative weight of the container, substrate, plant and fruit is also relevant. The following list puts popular container tomatoes and recommended pot sizes next to each other.
- Minibel, limited height, fruits 10 to 20 grams: 2-3 liter pot volume (17-19 cm)
- Tiny Tim, height 30 cm, small fruits: 3-5 liter pot size (19-23 cm)
- Balkonstar, popular small variety, fruits up to 50 grams: 5-7 liter pot volume (23-25 cm)
- Fuzzy Wuzzy, height 50 cm, red-yellow striped fruits, approx. 40 grams heavy: 7-9 liter pot size (25-27 cm)
It is the cocktail tomatoes in particular that are ideal for growing in containers. Above all the varieties 'Sweet Million', 'Piccolino' or 'Gold Nugget', which, with a growth height of 100-150 centimeters, require a container volume of at least 40 liters.
The size of the pot is not the only deciding factor
Without a doubt, the expansive root ball of a tomato plant should find enough space in the pot. In addition, knowledgeable hobby gardeners make sure that there is at least one opening in the bottom of the pot. Excess irrigation water should be able to drain away so that waterlogging does not form.
The color is another important attribute. As heat-loving as tomatoes are; In the black pot, the substrate heats up significantly too much under the sun. Light colors are ideal, as they also create a cheerful atmosphere on the balcony and terrace.
Planting tomatoes correctly in the pot
Once the decisions have been made regarding variety, pot size, color and location, planting is on the agenda. A suitable substrate is commercially available vegetable soil (€13.00 on Amazon), which is enriched with compost and humus-rich garden soil. From mid-May, the young tomatoes that have been brought forward or purchased ready-made can be put outdoors. Planting tomatoes correctly is not difficult:
- cover the drain with drainage made of pottery shards, gravel, perlite or grit
- spread a water- and air-permeable fleece over it
- fill the bucket halfway with substrate
- place the tomato plant and a support rod in the middle
- fill in the remaining potting soil and press down repeatedly with your fist so that no air holes form
- A pouring edge of 2-3 centimeters is useful
Last but not least, water the tomato plant generously. Ideally, you should use slightly tempered rainwater or stale tap water.
Tips & Tricks
Even small tomato varieties in pots accumulate considerable weight over the course of the season, especially after watering. It is therefore recommended that you always place the pot on a plant roller. If necessary, the tomato plant is mobile at any time if a change of location is desired.
