Their strongly branched, squat growth gives bush tomatoes a special position within the tomato varieties. As a result, the usual austerity is unnecessary – even counterproductive. Other aspects of care come into focus. Here are the details.
Should you prune bush tomatoes?
Bush tomatoes do not require thinning as their branched and stocky growth is desired. On the contrary: minimizing would significantly reduce the number of small sweet tomatoes in these varieties.
Bushy growth welcome
The vast majority of all tomato plants only produce a rich harvest if they are grown with one or two shoots. For this purpose, all unwanted side shoots are regularly broken off. This central care measure is referred to as thinning. Bush tomatoes, on the other hand, grow lushly branched and bushy. The hobby gardener hopes for many small sweet tomatoes from these varieties, the number of which would be significantly reduced if they were thinned out.
Bush tomatoes are therefore the ideal candidates for planting in pots on the balcony, terrace or windowsill. Some specimens develop an overhanging habit, so that they even thrive in hanging baskets.
Support upright bush tomatoes
As limited-growing tomato varieties, bush tomatoes rarely exceed the 100-centimeter mark. However, this fact does not rule out the possibility that wind and weather can cause damage to the plants. Even tightly upright varieties receive support at the latest when the fruits could pull them to the ground. These climbing aids are recommended for bush tomatoes:
- green plant sticks, PVC coated, roughened surface for more grip
- Tomato stick made of galvanized steel with welded hooks for secure tying
- Spiral rod made of aluminum or stainless steel
- Wooden splitting sticks for weak-growing varieties up to 40 centimeters high
- Bamboo tube, twisted round, flexible and stable, 4-5 millimeters thick
In order to securely attach the shoots of bush tomatoes to the supports, specialist retailers offer suitable plant ties (€10.00 on Amazon) and clips. Environmentally conscious tomato gardeners choose the innovative eco-paper string or organic clips made from potato starch and lactic acid with rounded edges. The environmentally friendly material is tear-resistant, stable and completely compostable.
Tips & Tricks
Hanging bush tomatoes are the ultimate snack vegetable for the balcony and terrace. Plant the tomatoes in a modern hanging basket, a trendy planting idea made from mesh baskets. Here the tendrils have a lot more space to dangle decoratively and invite you to have a fruity snack in between.
