The cultivation of tomatoes is by no means limited to beds and greenhouses. Tomato plants also thrive in pots. Find out all the important details about the right pot size, the ideal substrate and the right plants here.

The relationship between tomato variety and pot size is correct

The tomato variety should be chosen with care for cultivation in the bucket. Central criteria play a role, such as the growth height or the size of the fruit. A balanced ratio of pot size to the expected final size of a plant is ideal. The cumulative weight of tub, substrate, plant and fruit is also relevant. The following list shows popular tub tomatoes and recommended pot sizes next to each other.

  • Minibel, limited growth height, fruits 10 to 20 grams: 2-3 liters pot volume (17-19 cm)
  • Tiny Tim, growth height 30 cm, small fruits: 3-5 liter pot size (19-23 cm)
  • Balcony star, popular small variety, fruits up to 50 grams: 5-7 liters pot volume (23-25 cm)
  • Fuzzy Wuzzy, growth height 50 cm, red and yellow striped fruits, weighs approx. 40 grams: 7-9 liter pot size (25-27 cm)

It is the cocktail tomatoes in particular that lend themselves to cultivation in tubs. Above all, the varieties 'Sweet Million', 'Piccolino' or 'Gold Nugget', which, with a growth height of 100-150 centimetres, require a bucket volume of at least 40 liters.

The pot size alone is not decisive

Undoubtedly, the expansive root ball of a tomato plant should find enough space in the bucket. In addition, knowledgeable hobby gardeners make sure that there is at least one opening in the bottom of the pot. Excess irrigation water should be able to run off so that waterlogging does not form.

Color is another important attribute. As heat-loving as tomatoes are; in the black bucket, the substrate heats up significantly too much under the sun. Light colors are ideal, which also create a cheerful atmosphere on the balcony and terrace.

Plant tomatoes correctly in the pot

Once the decisions regarding variety, pot size, color and location have been made, planting is on the agenda. Commercial vegetable soil, which is enriched with compost and humic garden soil, is suitable as a substrate. From mid-May, young tomatoes that have been brought forward or bought ready-made can go outside. Planting the tomatoes correctly is not difficult:

  • cover the drain with a drainage made of potsherds, gravel, perlite (37.51€) or grit
  • Spread a water- and air-permeable fleece over it
  • fill the bucket halfway with substrate
  • place the tomato plant and a support stick in the middle
  • fill in the rest of the potting soil and press down repeatedly with your fist so that no air pockets form
  • a pouring edge of 2-3 centimeters makes sense

Finally, water the tomato plant generously. Ideally, use slightly tempered rainwater or stagnant tap water.

tips and tricks

Even small potted tomato varieties accumulate considerable weight over the course of the season, especially after watering. It is therefore advisable to always place the bucket on a plant trolley. If necessary, the tomato plant is mobile at any time if a change of location is desired.

Category:

Vegetable garden