The best varieties of tomatoes for a loggia

Among the vegetables grown on the balcony or loggia, tomatoes are no exception. Many of us are happy to grow this crop, every year we try to plant new items, but the harvest is not always happy, because not all varieties of tomatoes are suitable for growing on the balcony. Let's figure it out ...

Tomato classification

Before buying seeds, let's see what categories of tomatoes there are. They fall into several categories:

• Depending on the type of growth of the bush: determinant and indeterminate. Determinant tomatoes are characterized by stopping their growth up to a certain number of clusters (usually 5-6). The length of their stems is small and, as a rule, the fruits ripen on it almost simultaneously. Such varieties are further subdivided into semi-determinant tomatoes and super-determinant (very undersized tomato varieties, one might say dwarf). Indeterminate tomatoes have unlimited growth and are distinguished by high productivity, the fruits ripen in turn.
• Depending on the ripening period: early, mid-season, late. The growing season in early varieties of tomatoes usually lasts from 75 to 100 days, mid-ripening fully ripens from 100 to 120 days, and late-ripening can grow for more than 120 days.
• Depending on the method of consumption: for preservation, canteens, for juice production.

When buying seeds, very often we come across tomato varieties, in the name of which the designation F1 is present. These are hybrid tomatoes that are obtained by crossing two different varieties. A distinctive feature of the hybrids is a high yield and strong healthy plants, but, unfortunately, seeds cannot be harvested from them.

There are also cocktail tomatoes, the fruit weight of which does not exceed 30 grams, and they are used mainly for decorating dishes. Carpal varieties - fruits grow in bunches, cherry tomatoes are cherry varieties that differ in their unusual size and rich taste.

Most popular varieties

When choosing tomato seeds for a balcony, it is better to pay attention to undersized and early varieties of tomatoes, they are easier to care for, they do not take up much space and they ripen a little earlier (10-15 days). Here are some of them:

Balcony miracle - a very common and beloved type of tomato, a low-growing standard bush, with a good yield (up to two kilograms per bush). This species is resistant to late blight and cloudy weather, there is also no need to pinch it;

grade Balcony miracle - in the photo

Room surprise - super early variety. The fruits are small, plum-shaped, the plant is compact, neat, no more than 50 centimeters. Very good germination, yield up to 3 kilograms per plant;

Tomato Bonsai balcony - ultra-early ripening dwarf variety, its height does not exceed 30 centimeters. Fruits are round, small (berry weight 20-25 grams). The plant is decorative and attractive, the yield from one bush is about half a kilogram;

Bonsai variety tomatoes - pictured

Louis XVII - undersized medium early variety, pear-shaped fruit shape, ocher color.The weight of one berry is about 50-60 grams, in total you can collect about 2.5-3 kilograms per plant;

Tomato Riddle - a low-growing and ultra-early plant, its height is up to 40 centimeters, the fruits ripen in 80-85 days. The berries are red, fleshy, weighing 90-100 grams. This species is resistant to diseases of tomatoes, as well as rainy weather;

Pinocchio - determinant standard type of tomato, which is grown in indoor conditions, no more than 35 centimeters in height. Fruits are small, flat-round in shape and have excellent taste. Productivity up to 1.5 kilograms;

tomatoes variety Pinocchio - pictured

Yellow cap - this is an early variety, standard and undersized. The tomatoes of this plant are yellow and round, weighing 15-20 grams, very tasty. The tomato is resistant to fusarium. Productivity up to 3 kilograms from one bush;

Garden pearl - an ultra-early plant that gives a large yield. Tomatoes grow 50 centimeters both in height and in width. Tomatoes cascade on stems that do not need pinching. Long-term fruiting, up to 500 berries from one plant can be harvested per season.

This is just a small list of balcony tomatoes that are cultivated in apartment conditions, but as always, the choice is yours, dear readers!

You don't have a summer cottage or garden area, but you are eager to grow a tomato crop on your balcony? Then this article is for you!

The balcony can be used for different purposes - as a flower garden or a warehouse for unnecessary household utensils. But it can also be exploited in a more practical way, for example, as a small vegetable garden where tomatoes can be grown in winter and summer. Such a home greenhouse pleases the eye and filters the air and pampers with fruits.

Why grow tomatoes on the balcony

There are many reasons to grow tomatoes on the balcony. First, it is a new and interesting experience. You won't surprise anyone with tomatoes grown on the site, but the harvest from the balcony is unusual. By planting tomatoes next to low-growing flowers, you can create creative beds without leaving your home.

Secondly, in terms of the content of vitamins, balcony tomatoes are in no way inferior to congeners from the greenhouse. Having grown them, it is not necessary to run to the store or to the market for vegetables to enjoy a fresh salad for dinner. You can rip it off right in your apartment, it's amazing, isn't it?

Well, and thirdly, does a real gardener need to occupy himself with something in the offseason? So why not conduct an unusual experiment. It remains to choose the varieties.

Balconies Elo

One of the most popular varieties of tomatoes for growing on the balcony. The compact bush is valuable because it is ideal for the home, because its maximum height will not exceed 45 cm. Sun-yellow tomatoes will ripen as early as 100-110 days after germination. The fruits are round, sweet, but with a slight sourness, which makes them piquant. They are eaten fresh and preserved.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		100-110	20-30	7-10

Balcony miracle

One of the most famous and time-tested varieties. It is ideal for balcony cultivation. A variety that lives up to its name and is truly wonderful. The fruit is an attractive bright red color that you will definitely want to try. Their pulp is juicy, fleshy. The main advantage of this variety is that tomatoes ripen even in low light conditions. They are consumed mostly fresh, as tomatoes are sweet and very aromatic. Caring for them is very simple, even tying branches is not necessary.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		90	65	4-6

Balcony red F1

Ideal for home growing. The bush is small, its height does not exceed 30 cm. The bright red fruits will delight you 85 days after germination. They will be small in size, but very sweet and aromatic, with a pleasant taste. The pulp is juicy and fleshy.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		85	15-20	6

Bonsai

One of the most unpretentious varieties, caring for which will not give you much trouble. The maximum height of the bush is about 30 cm. You will wait for the fruits already 85 days after germination. They grow bright red, small, round, sweet, with a piquant sourness. These are delicious to eat both fresh and canned.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		85	50	3-4

Pearl red

An ornamental tomato variety that produces delicious fruits. Tomatoes resemble red pearls (very small), very sweet and fleshy. Experienced gardeners recommend growing them on the loggia, although it bears excellent fruit both in the open field and in the greenhouse. The bush grows no more than half a meter. Tiny tomatoes will brighten it for 85-100 days. The fruits of this variety can be used for canning, and for salads, and they can be eaten fresh.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		85-100	15-20	5-7

Pinocchio

Many consider this variety to be the best in order to arrange a vegetable garden on the windowsill. The bush will grow no higher than 30 cm, but almost all will be strewn with fruits. Tiny spherical fruits will not leave anyone indifferent. Sweet, without sourness, tomatoes can be eaten fresh or harvested for the winter. The variety is suitable for open ground, but it is more often grown on the balcony.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		95-100	20-30	10

Philippok

This variety is loved by many. It grows well not only on the balcony, but also in the greenhouse or in the open field. The bush is low, up to 40 cm, but there are a lot of tomatoes on it. The plant is strong enough so it doesn't need to be tied up. They are red, medium in size, sweet with a slight sourness, pleasant to the taste. Filippok tomatoes are universal - eat straight from the bush or roll up for the winter.

Appointment	Growing	Ripening period (days)	Fruit weight (g)	Number of fruits in a brush
		94	100	5

This list is just a small part of the varieties that grow well on a balcony or windowsill. Someone will use it for their garden experiments, and someone will offer their favorite varieties. Write in the comments what kind of tomatoes you grow on the loggia. We will gladly tell you more about them.

Not every person has the opportunity to grow their own tomatoes in their personal plot. But it is possible to cultivate tomatoes on the balcony, for example, in plastic bottles, quite successfully.

The best varieties of tomatoes for growing on a balcony or loggia

To get a rich harvest at home, you need to choose the right varieties of vegetable crops. Bushes should be short and compact. Among the variety of vegetable crops for growing in a loggia or on a balcony, you can use the following varieties:

• Bonsai;
• Balcony miracle;
• Pinocchio;
• Max;
• Balconies Elo;
• Cascade Red;
• Gina.

Many gardeners choose which tomatoes to grow on the balcony - which variety is suitable for such conditions. These are Florida Petite, Bonsai Micro Hybrid, Balconi Red, Pearl Red, Pearl Yellow and Balcony Red. All these varieties of tomatoes for growing on the balcony can be planted in small boxes or pots (just take into account the size of the pot). Since these vegetables have a compact root system, they do not need a lot of soil.

Pinocchio tomato variety

Each of these varieties has individual characteristics. Many gardeners prefer the Pinocchio variety. When to plant this tomato variety? If you sow seeds in early autumn, then by the New Year holidays you can harvest an excellent harvest of dessert tomatoes. You can even cultivate this variety on the windowsill. You can learn how to grow tomatoes on the windowsill here.

These balcony tomatoes are unpretentious. They belong to the category of early ripening tomatoes. The Pinocchio variety produces juicy and sweet cherry-like fruits. They will prove to be an excellent decoration for salads and appetizers. The fruits can be salted and preserved. Their taste is no less pleasant when consumed fresh.

Tomato variety Balcony miracle

The most popular crop from this category are the Balcony Miracle tomatoes, which differ in:

1. compactness of bushes that do not grow higher than 50 cm;
2. the possibility of cultivation on verandas, loggias, balconies and even in the open air;
3. the versatility of the fruits in terms of their use.

Vegetable culture of the determinant type is ultra-early ripening. Its full ripening period is about 85 days. Many gardeners give positive reviews about the Balcony Miracle tomatoes, since mature tomatoes can not only be eaten fresh, but also salted, pickled and canned.

The bushes themselves look very attractive. But gardeners like rich and colorful fruits of a red hue. Another advantage of this balcony type vegetable crop is its high yield. From each small bush, you can collect about 2 kg of ripe tomatoes. Moreover, the weight of each vegetable usually does not exceed 65 g.

According to gardeners' reviews, tomatoes on the balcony - which variety is suitable, does not cause serious difficulties. For the plant, it is necessary to prepare a high-quality soil mixture. It is not recommended to use ordinary land. Vegetable crops need a special soil that you can prepare yourself. To do this, mix manure humus, turf and peat in identical proportions.

You can buy a ready-made soil mixture intended for tomatoes, or use a composition from the "living soil" category.

Proper cultivation of tomatoes The balcony miracle has some other features. Planting of seed is carried out in the last days of February or in the first days of spring. 3-5 days before the expected date of sowing the seeds, the soil should be poured into plastic cups and poured abundantly with warm water. The seed does not need to be pre-treated. They are placed in the ground dry. It is recommended to use 2 seeds for 1 container. They deepen by 1.5 cm.

After emergence, only the strongest seedling should be left. Another sprout is pinched. You don't have to delete it at all. Taking care of the seedlings is extremely simple. They will need:

• correct lighting;
• timely watering;
• setting the optimal temperature regime;
• systematic ventilation of the room.

Many gardeners are interested in how to grow tomatoes upside down on the balcony and get a bountiful harvest. It is enough to use the recommendations on the example of the Balkonnoe miracle variety. Vegetable crops should not be watered with cold water. It is recommended to irrigate the soil with a warm liquid. You can take water at room temperature. It is recommended to fill the liquid in advance in special bottles intended for irrigation. The water must settle.

Tomato Bonsai variety

Another great solution is Bonsai tomatoes, which can be cultivated effectively on the balcony.

It is a determinant variety, the height of which does not exceed 50 cm. Vegetable crops can be successfully cultivated in flower pots or small boxes. Some summer residents have experimented with growing this plant in open beds. The variety gave a bountiful harvest. Another attractive feature of the Bonsai vegetable culture is that its fruits can not only be used for food, but also grown for decorative purposes.

Numerous positive reviews about Bonsai tomatoes are due to other properties of the plant. These tomatoes are characterized by high yields. On average, 2 kg of ripe, juicy and very tasty fruits can be removed from each compact and low bush without much difficulty. Since the height of the plant does not exceed half a meter, it does not need a garter to a support.

A simple step-by-step cultivation of a tomato on the balcony will not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners. To get a bountiful harvest, it is necessary to create an optimal level of illumination for the Bonsai variety. Among other advantages of the variety, the appetizing appearance of tomatoes can be noted. They are red, glossy, bright. The weight of the fruits is only about 65 g. Also, gardeners note the short ripening period of vegetables. From the moment of sowing the seeds to the date of harvest, no more than 90 days pass.

Tomato variety Butterfly

Naming other self-pollinated varieties of tomatoes for the balcony, it is worth noting the variety "Butterfly". This is a hybrid ultra-early maturing plant. But it is worth remembering that the bushes of the vegetable crop are quite tall. The attractiveness of the variety lies in the fact that it gives fruits that are universal for the purpose. They will turn out to be not only luxurious decor, which is placed on the windowsill. According to gardeners, the vegetables of the Butterfly plant are delicious and sweet.

Growing such tomatoes on the balcony step by step means the most standard. If you follow the basic rules of agricultural technology, you can get an amazing harvest. On the bushes, tomatoes grow in clusters. Ripe vegetables have a rich red hue. The weight of miniature dessert fruits varies between 30-35 g. These vegetables are often called cocktail vegetables. The excellent taste of tomatoes is due not only to the high content of saccharides in the tomato, but also to the presence of lycopene in them. This substance makes vegetables surprisingly healthy, as it is a natural antioxidant.

Mini-gardens on balconies, loggias and verandas are becoming fashionable. They provide an opportunity for people who do not have land plots to try their hand at plant growing and enjoy delicious, healthy, fresh vegetables, herbs, berries. One of the most popular balcony crops is tomatoes. With the right choice of variety and skillful care, they will certainly delight you with a good harvest.

How to grow tomatoes on a windowsill

Balcony tomatoes: variety selection

For the limited space of a loggia or balcony, not all varieties of tomatoes are suitable. Too tall, branchy bushes with heavy fruits are best left for industrial greenhouses or open ground. On the balconies, compact specimens are often grown, which are easy to care for.

Tomatoes on the balcony

Among the basic requirements:

• Bushes size... Long vines in a balcony will feel uncomfortable. The ideal option is determinant plants, whose growth does not exceed 50 cm. Such bushes do not require tying, they do not need to be pinched and pinned. Not too branched tall varieties are suitable for growing on trellises; they can also be planted in hanging baskets;
• The growing season. For a balcony or loggia, you need to choose ultra-early ripening varieties. The shorter the time from emergence to harvest, the better;
• Yield... It is convenient to grow cluster tomatoes on the balcony, which are cut in whole bunches;
• Disease resistance. The stronger the plant immunity, the higher the chances of a good harvest. It is advisable to choose hybrids that are especially resistant to the main diseases of the nightshade;
• Decorativeness. Balcony tomatoes should not only be productive, but also beautiful. Brush mini-tomatoes of different colors look especially impressive. Bushes planted nearby with fruits of rounded, elongated, pear-shaped pink, yellow, orange, bright red shades look no less elegant than exotic flowers;
• Versatility. It is worth choosing varieties with moderately dense skin, suitable for fresh consumption or canning.

Tall tomatoes on the balcony

Balcony Miracle	Carp tomatoes, round, bright red. The taste is pleasant, sweetish, the skin is dense.	2 Kg
Caramel Red	Standard low bushes, oval fruits, bright red. The taste is delicate, sweet with a slight sourness.	2.5KG
Caramel Yellow	Very productive, honey-yellow fruits, elongated, ripen in large clusters. The skin is firm, the taste is sweet, with fruity notes.	2.8KG
Cranberries in the Sahara	Very small round fruits with dense skin, ripen in large clusters. The yield is good, the taste is rich, sweetish-sour.	2.6KG
Golden Drop	Indeterminate shrub suitable for hanging baskets. The fruits are pear-shaped, bright yellow, with a delicious fruity taste.	4 Kg
Date Yellow	Moderately tall shrubs can be grown on trellises or in hanging baskets. Fruits are oblong-oval, sweet, ripen in clusters.	2.8KG
Garden Pearl	Ampel variety with long flowing branches and sweet cherry fruits of deep pink color.	2.5KG
Cherry fingers	Suitable for hanging baskets. Compact bushes, elongated fruits, bright red, very sweet.	3 Kg

Three best varieties of tomatoes for growing on the balcony

Growing conditions: what should be the balcony

To organize a mini-garden, a balcony facing southeast or southwest is suitable. On hot southern loggias, you will need to organize shading. Northern balconies, where the sun is less than 3 hours a day, are not suitable for growing tomatoes.

Create conditions for growing tomatoes

It is advisable to place plants closer to the railing or balcony wall. The constant strong wind slows down the development of plants. Baskets with ampel varieties are not hung too high so that it is convenient to care for the plants. Tall bushes are conveniently attached to trellises made of wood, plastic or rope. They are mounted on a free wall, protected as much as possible from the wind.

Spicy herbs can be placed next to the tomatoes. They will not only decorate the composition, but also scare away pests. The best companions for balcony tomatoes are lettuce, mint, oregano, celery, parsley or curly parsley.

With sufficient care, the balcony can replace the backyard and feed the whole family with tomatoes.

Video - Tomatoes on the windowsill

Soil and containers: what to prefer

Tomatoes love light, nutritious soil with neutral or slightly alkaline acidity. You should not use ready-made soil mixtures, they are poor in nutrients and contain an excessive amount of peat.

Soil for tomatoes

However, such a substrate can be taken as an additive to self-compiled soil. Novice gardeners can try one of the following options:

• a mixture of garden soil with humus and a small portion of peat;
• sod land, combined with compost and ready-made peat-based substrate;
• old garden soil with the addition of compost and washed river sand.

All components are thoroughly mixed. For greater nutritional value, wood (preferably birch) ash or superphosphate is added to the substrate.

Superphosphate

It is convenient to grow tomatoes in deep plastic or wooden boxes located along the railings and walls of the balcony.

Hanging box

Hinged box

Planting seeds

For the fastest harvest, balcony tomatoes are recommended to be grown in seedlings. Planting begins in March. Deep containers with pallets are filled with soil so that about 1 cm remains to the edge. The soil is slightly compacted, furrows are made in it, into which the seeds are sown. Before planting, they are treated with a growth stimulant for 10-12 hours. Decontamination of store-bought seed is not required. It goes through all the necessary procedures before packing.

Seed preparation

Seed Treatment Substances

Seeds are planted with a shallow depth and covered with a layer of soil. Then the soil is sprayed generously with warm soft water from a spray bottle. It is possible to grow tomato seedlings in plastic cassettes or individual pots. This method excludes picking, the plants are moved into the ground by transshipment, which excludes damage to the roots.

When growing seedlings, the grains are buried shallowly

The seedling boxes, covered with transparent material, are placed in a warm place.

During growth, the seedlings are watered once every 5-7 days. After the appearance of the first true leaves, the tomatoes are fed with full mineral fertilizer or a weak mullein solution. The second feeding is carried out before moving young plants to their permanent residence.

Seedlings tomato seedlings

Seedlings in cups

Picking tomato seedlings and transplanting to a permanent place

Video - How to grow tomatoes or tomatoes on the balcony

Living on the balcony: transplant and care

On glazed balconies, grown seedlings can be planted in the first half of May. They are planted on open balconies later, closer to the beginning of June. Bushes are placed at a distance of at least 40 cm from each other, closer proximity reduces yield. It is better to tie tall varieties to trellises, they will add decorativeness to the balcony, heavy branches will hold securely, without breaking off when the wind gusts.

In the cold season, you need to water infrequently, when the earthen lump dries up

It is important to know that you can not spray the leaves of seedlings, because the plant can get sick and die

When transplanting, you need to take into account the needs of the plants. Each bush should have at least 4 kg of nutrient substrate. A layer of expanded clay or pebbles is laid at the bottom of the boxes. The same soil mixture is used in which the seedlings grew, wood ash is mixed with it for nutritional value. Young tomatoes move with a clod of earth that protects the roots for damage. In the first days after transplanting, the bushes should be protected from direct sunlight, protecting them with awnings or roller blinds.

Tomatoes are a rather demanding crop. They love warmth and moisture, but cannot tolerate direct sunlight and stagnant water in the soil. Water the tomatoes only with warm soft water (rain, settled or boiled). Watering is carried out in the morning or evening, after sunset. From time to time, it is useful to water the plants with water in which the eggshell has been infused.

Plants of an indeterminate type growing on trellises or in baskets require pinching. After the formation of the third flower cluster, the lateral shoots are removed. With excessive stretching of the stem, you can pinch the growth point, this stimulates the earliest formation of ovaries.

Grassing tomatoes

Immediately after transplanting, the plants are no longer fed with complexes containing nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate). These components contribute to the abundant growth of green mass to the detriment of fruiting. To stimulate the ovaries, superphosphate and potassium sulfate in the form of aqueous solutions are more useful. During the season, the plants are fed at least 3 times. Mineral complexes can be replaced with organic matter (humus, bird droppings, diluted mullein).

Photo of a tomato on the balcony

First harvest

Video - How to grow tomatoes on the balcony