Tomatoes are a beloved fruit (yes, fruit!) and they can be grown in a variety of ways – from towering vines in the garden to compact plants on a balcony. There is a popular cherry tomato plant variety called ‘Tumbling Tom’ that is ideal for small spaces and hanging baskets. With their cascading growth habit and deliciously sweet fruit, these tomatoes are a great choice for anyone looking to grow their own produce.
But if you’re new to gardening or have never grown tomatoes before, you are sure to have some very common questions such as how to germinate and care for Tumbling Tom tomatoes, what and when to feed them, and if you can grow them in pots. In this blog, we’ll answer these questions about the Tumbling Top tomato variety and share some tips on how to help them thrive. So, let’s get started!
What are Tumbling Tomatoes?
Tumbling tomatoes, also known as Tumbling Tom tomatoes, is a type of cherry tomato that has a cascading growth habit. These plants are ideal for small spaces and container gardens. They are commonly grown in hanging baskets, window boxes, and other types of containers, as they can trail down over the sides of the container, creating an attractive display.
They come in different colors, such as red, yellow, and orange, and have a sweet flavor. These tomato plants require minimal maintenance and can be grown in a variety of settings, from full sun to partial shade. Overall, Tumbling Tom tomatoes are a great choice for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty and flavor to their garden or patio.
Why Should I Grow Tumbling Tom Tomatoes? Their Benefits
The wholesome goodness of Tumbling Tom tomatoes will not only delight the eyes but also benefit your body. With its abundance of plump, cherry-sized tomatoes dangling at eye level, this variety serves not only as a delectable edible but also as an attractive ornamental. Whether you’re a city dweller with limited space or a gardening enthusiast seeking a hassle-free option, these delightful plants are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or any container garden.
12 Benefits of Growing Tumbling Tom Tomatoes:
- Ideal for small spaces, indoor, and container gardens
- Beautiful cascading growth habit adds an attractive touch to any setting
- Small to medium-sized and comes in many colors, such as red, yellow, and orange
- The sweet flavor makes them a great choice for snacking, salads, and other culinary uses
- Require minimal maintenance and can be grown without staking or caging
- Rich in antioxidants and packed with essential vitamins like A and C, as well as lycopene
- Eating the Tumbling Tom Tomatoes can boost your immune system
- Can be grown in a variety of settings, from full sun to partial shade
- High-yielding plants that provide a bountiful harvest for home gardeners
- Easy to propagate and can be grown from seeds or transplants
- Can be grown year-round in warm climates or indoors
- A great option for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space
How to Grow Tumbling Tom Tomatoes?
If you’re looking to grow Tumbling Tom tomatoes, here are some steps to help you get started. Follow these steps, and ensure the best harvest. Let’s start.
Fill a Suitable container With High-Quality Potting Soil
Tumbling Tom tomatoes are perfect for container gardening, so make sure you select a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill the container with high-quality potting soil that is enriched with nutrients and has good drainage. They grow up to 30cm so make sure your pot is perfect enough.
Grow Tumbling Tom Tomatoes from Seeds
To grow ‘Tumbling Tom’ tomatoes from seeds, start 5-7 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant the seeds ¼-inch deep and the temperature should be 75 degrees F. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings start emerging from the soil, move them to a sunny location or provide them with sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day. Starting your tomatoes in a 3- or 4-inch pot is a good option as they will be able to grow and thrive until they are ready to be transplanted.
Transplant The Tumbling Tom Tomato Seedlings
When the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees F with overnight lows of at least 45 degrees F, it’s safe to transplant Tumbling Tom tomato seedlings outside. Before planting, it’s important to harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week. Choose a sunny location with soil that is enriched with organic material (make yours, click here). If the soil needs improvement, you can add peat, mature compost, or well-aged manure to the bed.
Watering, Fertilizing and Caring for Tumbling Tom Tomatoes
Tumbling Tom tomatoes need regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest. Although Tumbling Tom tomatoes are bred to be compact and do not require staking or caging, you can still provide some support by using a tomato cage or trellis.
Once the fruit starts to ripen, it’s time to harvest. Gently pluck the fruit off the vine when it is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Enjoy your harvest with your family! Now let’s move to some common Questions and Answers!
Are Tumbling Tom Tomatoes Hybrid?
Yes, Tumbling Tom tomatoes are a hybrid variety of tomatoes. They are a cross between determinate and indeterminate varieties, resulting in a compact plant that produces an abundant crop of cherry-sized tomatoes without the need for staking or caging.
Can You Grow Tumbling Tom Tomatoes in Pots?
Yes, Tumbling Tom tomatoes are well-suited for container gardening, and growing them in pots is a popular way to cultivate these plants. They have a compact growth habit, which makes them ideal for small spaces like patios, balconies, or windowsills. Follow the previous steps to grow them.
How to Prune Tumbling Tom Tomatoes?
Well, Tumbling Tom tomatoes do not require much pruning because of their compact growth habit. However, it’s still a good idea to remove any yellow or diseased leaves regularly to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases. You can prune the tips of the branches to encourage more lateral growth and increase fruit production.
You can also pinch off any suckers that grow from the base of the plant or where the branches meet the main stem. Remember to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and prune during the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler and less stressful for the plant.
Do Tumbling Tom Tomatoes Need Support?
No, unlike many other tomato varieties, Tumbling Tom tomatoes do not require staking or caging for support. They have a trailing growth habit and are well-suited for container gardening, hanging baskets, or ground cover. However, if you notice that the plant is getting too heavy with fruit or the branches are spreading too far, you can use small stakes or trellises to provide some support.
Where To Plant Tumbling Tom Tomatoes?
Tumbling Tom tomatoes prefer to be grown in a (6-8 hours of sunlight) sunny location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can plant them directly in the ground if your soil is suitable, or you can grow them in containers. If you’re growing Tumbling Tom tomatoes in containers, choose a pot that is at least 10-12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
When to Feed Tumbling Tom Tomatoes?
Tumbling Tom tomatoes benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. It’s a good idea to start feeding the plants when they are about 4-6 weeks old or once they have established themselves in the ground or container.
You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) every 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season, which will feed the plants over a longer period. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific fertilizer you are using. To start composting at home, click here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing Tumbling Tom tomatoes is easy and rewarding, no matter whether you are a skilled gardener or a beginner. By starting the plants from seed, providing them with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, and pruning them regularly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious cherry tomatoes throughout the growing season. We hope that these answers to some common questions have helped you in your quest to grow healthy and productive Tumbling Tom tomato plants. Happy gardening!
Read more blogs:
