Vine tomatoes differ from other types of tomatoes in some ways. They grow bushy, remain quite small and are harvested on the stem. Here, austerity takes a back seat and gives priority to other care work. We explain the reasons.
Do you have to prune vine tomatoes?
Should you max out vine tomatoes? No, it is not necessary to thin out vine tomatoes because they grow on multiple shoots and each branch ensures fruit formation. In this case, removing side shoots would be counterproductive.
Special case of vine tomatoes – branching desired
In contrast to the vast majority of tomato plants, vine tomatoes thrive on multiple shoots. They strive for both width and height. While the side shoots on stick tomatoes are constantly broken out by means of thinning, they are very welcome here. The vine tomato does not have any stinginess in the true sense.
The hobby gardener wants numerous small fruits from his vine tomatoes that can be eaten in one bite. Since every branch is a fruit shoot, pinching it out would be counterproductive. In return, other care measures become the focus in this regard.
Proper care of vine tomatoes – in a nutshell
- Vine tomatoes need a full sun, extra airy location
- the planting distance is at least 80 centimeters
- A rain cover in the bed and on the balcony is indispensable
- Place the pots at a sufficient distance so that the plants do not touch each other
- Water the tomato plants preferably from below so that no water splashes on the leaves
- fertilize abundantly with compost and nettle manure
- mulching with straw reduces splash water
Read how to properly prune your tomato plants.
Trellis recommended
Although the shoots of vine tomatoes do not grow in a creeping manner, they still receive support. This means that the bushy plants can be assigned a location surrounded by air without fear of wind. Vine tomatoes are suitable for any form of climbing aid. Simple wooden or bamboo sticks fix the shoots in the bed. Small trellises or obelisks ensure a firm hold in the pot or flower box.
Since tomato plants have no attachment organs, vine tomatoes are also tied. Ideally, you should use a soft material that does not cut into the shoots. Wide raffia ribbon (€6.00 at Amazon), gauze bandages or worn-out nylon stockings have proven themselves very effective.
Tips & Tricks
The best varieties of vine tomatoes are refined varieties such as 'Sparta F1', 'Dolce Vita F1' or 'Picolino F1'. Since the noble variety is bred on a robust wild base, it has excellent resistance to diseases.
