While there isn’t a specific variety called a “tomato tree” in the traditional sense of a woody tree, the term is often used to describe two different scenarios:
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Indeterminate Tomato Varieties Grown with Extensive Support:
These are vigorous, vining tomato plants that can grow very tall and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. With proper staking, caging, or trellising and consistent pruning, they can be trained to have a tree-like appearance with a central stem and branching structure.
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Tamarillo:
This is a subtropical shrub or small tree in the same plant family as tomatoes. It produces egg-shaped fruits that are often called “tree tomatoes.”
Assuming you’re interested in growing standard tomatoes in a tree-like fashion, here’s how you can do it:
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Choose the Right Tomato Variety:
- Select indeterminate varieties. These are the vining types that continue to grow tall. Examples include ‘Big Boy’, ‘Beefsteak’, ‘Brandywine’, cherry, and grape tomatoes. Avoid determinate varieties, as they have a compact growth habit.
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Provide Strong Support:
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Staking:
Use sturdy stakes driven firmly into the ground near each plant at planting time. As the plant grows, tie the main stem to the stake at regular intervals using soft twine or plant ties. Remove side shoots that grow between the main stem and branches to encourage upward growth.
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Caging:
Extra-tall and robust tomato cages are also an option. Ensure they are well-anchored to prevent tipping as the plant becomes heavy with foliage and fruit.
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Trellising:
A strong trellis system can support multiple plants trained in a tree-like manner. Use vertical wires or netting attached to sturdy posts. Tie the main stems to the trellis as they grow.
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Plant Correctly:
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Timing:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or purchase healthy transplants.
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Location:
Choose a site with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Depth:
Plant seedlings deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages more root growth along the buried stem, leading to a stronger plant.
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Spacing:
Space plants according to the variety’s mature size, typically 2-3 feet apart.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow indeterminate tomato varieties in a way that resembles a small tree, maximizing vertical space and potentially increasing yield with proper management.
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