The exotic, very defensive-looking tomato plant from South America bears sweet, cherry-like tasting fruits that can also be easily made into jam or compote. However, the lychee tomatoes ripening in panicles are particularly tasty fresh from the vine.
How to overwinter a lychee tomato?
To overwinter a lychee tomato successfully, you can carefully dig it up in late autumn, transplant it into a pot with suitable soil and place it in a protected, frost-free place. Sufficient light and moderate watering are required during wintering.
Lychee tomatoes do not tolerate frost
The litchi tomato, like conventional tomatoes, can grow and thrive outdoors even in our latitudes. They need a location that is as sunny as possible, but will also accept a partially shaded spot if necessary. The plant, which is up to two meters high, is actually an annual, but with a few tricks it can be kept well over the winter. The litchi tomato can tolerate low temperatures relatively well, but should be brought into the greenhouse or living room when temperatures are around freezing point.
What are the advantages of overwintering?
- Plant has to invest less energy in growth in spring
- and flowers much earlier
- More flowers are also produced
- This means that the harvest yield is higher than with a lychee tomato that was only sown in spring
How can the lychee tomato overwinter?
Outdoor tomatoes can be carefully dug up in late autumn and transplanted into a sufficiently large container. Remember to wear sturdy protective clothing and gloves (€9.00 on Amazon), because the spines, which can be up to four centimeters long, can be quite prickly. It is best to dig the plant out of the ground with a spade. Place the lychee tomato and suitable soil in a bucket and place it in a protected, frost-free place. A greenhouse is best suited for this, but a winter garden or another sheltered place is also suitable for this. However, it is important that the litchi tomato always receives sufficient light, which is why it is only advisable to place it in the cellar for a short time. The plant should be watered moderately even in winter.
Overwintering balcony plants
If such a space is not available, you can, if necessary, cover the lychee tomato with a protective film and protect its roots with a thick layer of bark mulch. Balcony plants also need protection from frost and should therefore be placed in a frost-free place. By the way: In summer, balcony plants especially need protection from rain! The lychee tomato only tolerates this moderately well.
Tips & Tricks
You can make a delicious jam from the fruits of the lychee tomato. To do this you need: 500 grams of lychee tomatoes, 250 grams of preserving sugar 2:1 and the pulp of half a vanilla pod. Cut the fruit into small pieces and bring them to a boil with the vanilla, sugar and a small splash of water. Now let the whole thing simmer for about six to eight minutes until the mixture gels.
