In their homeland, tomato plants thrive perennial. In the local regions, they are cultivated as an annual due to the frosty winters. Under certain conditions, hibernation is nevertheless possible. Find out here what is necessary for a successful course.

Wintering tomatoes on the windowsill - this is how the plan works

Instead of exposing tomato plants to the dangers of diseases and pests outdoors, many home gardeners grow the vegetable in pots on the windowsill. In view of the tight space available, small cocktail tomatoes are recommended. Old varieties in particular have a proven robustness to cope with temperature fluctuations and lack of light during wintering.

  • Amish Cherry: numerous small, orange-colored fruits
  • Red Pearl: juicy red mini fruits with a sweet aroma
  • Balconi Red: petite growth height up to 50 centimeters
  • Better: German classic, red fruits, robust and resistant

On the warm windowsill, the temperatures during the winter should not become a problem for the tomato plants. Rather, poor lighting conditions represent a bottleneck. You can compensate for this with the help of suitable plant lamps. A mirror should suffice on the south window, which increases the amount of light thanks to reflection. Otherwise, all central care measures remain in place, such as regular watering, fertilizing and pinching.

This is how tomato plants survive the winter in the greenhouse

Hobby gardeners who own a heated greenhouse do not have to do without freshly harvested tomatoes in winter. A mighty stick tomato will hardly survive the winter in this climate; there are good prospects of success for small varieties such as cherry tomatoes or wild tomatoes. To put the plan into action:

  • move the tubs from the balcony to the greenhouse in late summer or early autumn
  • the tomato plants must be vigorous and healthy
  • choose the sunniest place as the location
  • additionally illuminate with plant lamps during the critical months of November, December and January
  • Maintain temperatures of 22-24 degrees
  • water and fertilize less
  • keep an eagle eye on diseases and pests

As practical tests have shown, leaves and shoots fade during the extremely low-light phase. The tomatoes still ripen in the warm greenhouse climate. After the solstice on December 21st, the appearance improves and the tomato plants recover.

Overwinter as cuttings

With a little luck, robust wild tomatoes can survive the winter as cuttings on the windowsill, in the conservatory or greenhouse. That's how it's done:

  • in August, cut off 8-10 centimeter offshoots from healthy tomato plants
  • defoliate the lower area
  • root in water in a dark glass jar
  • then plant in tubs with nutritious substrate
  • keep in a bright, warm location like adult specimens

tips and tricks

To prevent tomato plants from wilting during the winter, place the tub on a turntable by the window. Move this further by 20 degrees every day so that the shoots on the side facing away from the window do not go in search of more light. Specialist retailers also offer solar or battery-powered turntables.

Category:

Vegetable garden