The exotic, very defensive-looking tomato plant from South America bears sweet, cherry-like tasting fruits that can also be processed into jam or compote. Fresh from the bush, however, the lychee tomatoes that ripen in panicles are particularly delicious.

Lychee tomatoes do not tolerate frost

Like conventional tomatoes, the Litchitomato can also grow and thrive outdoors 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 can grow to a height of two meters, is actually an annual, but with a few tricks it can be kept well through the winter. The Litchitomate tolerates low minus temperatures relatively well, but should be brought into the greenhouse or living room at temperatures around freezing point.

What are the advantages of hibernation?

  • Plants have to invest less energy in growth in spring
  • and flowers much earlier
  • more flowers are also formed
  • this also means that the harvest yield is higher than that of a lychee tomato that was only sown in the spring

How can the lychee tomato overwinter?

Outdoor tomatoes can be carefully dug up in late autumn and transplanted into a sufficiently large bucket. Don't forget to wear protective clothing and gloves, because the spines, which can be up to four centimeters long, can sting. It is best to dig the plant out of the ground with a spade. Put the lychee tomato in a bucket with suitable soil and place it in a sheltered, frost-free place. A greenhouse is best suited for this, but a conservatory or another sheltered place is also suitable for this. However, it is important that the Litchitomate always gets enough light, so storing it in the basement is only advisable for a short time. The plant should also be watered moderately in winter.

Overwintering balcony plants

If such a place is not available, you can cover the lychee tomato with a protective film if necessary 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 in particular need protection from the rain! The lychee tomato tolerates this only moderately well.

tips and tricks

You can cook a delicious jam from the fruits of the lychee tomato. You need: 500 grams of lychee tomatoes, 250 grams of preserving sugar 2:1 and the pulp of half a vanilla bean. Cut the fruit into small pieces and boil them with the vanilla, sugar and a small sip of water until bubbly. Now let the whole thing simmer for about six to eight minutes until the mixture gels.

Category:

Vegetable garden