Vine tomatoes differ from other tomato varieties in a number of ways. They grow bushy, stay quite small and are harvested on the stalk. Ausgeizen moves into the background here and gives priority to other maintenance work. We explain the reasons.
Special case vine tomatoes - branching desired
Unlike the vast majority of tomato plants, vine tomatoes thrive in multiple shoots. They strive both in width and in height. While the side shoots are constantly being broken out on stick tomatoes by means of pinching, they are very welcome here. The tomato on the vine does not have stingy shoots in the true sense of the word.
The hobby gardener wants numerous small fruits from his vine tomatoes that can be eaten with a bite. Since every branch is a fruit shoot, it would be counterproductive to use too little. In return, other care measures take center stage in this respect.
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
- rain protection in the bed and on the balcony is indispensable
- Space the buckets far enough so the plants don't touch each other
- preferably water the tomato plants from below to avoid splashing water on the foliage
- fertilize generously with compost and nettle manure
- mulching with straw reduces spray
Climbing aid recommended
Although the shoots of vine tomatoes do not thrive by creeping, they still receive support. Thus, the bushy plants can be assigned an air-flushed location without fear of windthrow. 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 bucket or flower box.(16.99€)
Since tomato plants do not have any attachment organs, tomatoes on the vine are also attached. Ideally, use a soft material that won't cut into the shoots. Wide raffia bands, gauze bandages or old nylon stockings have proven their worth.
tips and tricks
The best varieties among the vine tomatoes are grafted varieties such as 'Sparta F1', 'Dolce Vita F1' or 'Picolino F1'. Since the noble variety is bred on a robust wild rootstock, it has excellent resistance to diseases.