Dwarf bush varieties
Losetto
This F1 hybrid has blight resistance. It is early yielding and prolific. Small, cherry fruits on compact bush plants, ideal for pots and baskets.
Flavour Juicy, well balanced between sweet and acid. Pleasant and juicy.
Yield 1.4kg (5.7g), 254 fruits
The majority of varieties grown in this trial are cordons (also known as indeterminate as opposed to bush types, which are determinate). Grown flat against a wall or fence, they’re the ideal vertical crop, taking up a tiny amount of floor space yet delivering bumper yields.
But what if you can’t grow upwards? This is where the ever-increasing range of dwarf bush tomatoes delivers brilliant results. We carried out a mini-trial of ‘Losetto’, ‘Romello’ and ‘Maskotka’, one plant per 8-litre pot. Each plant grew no more than 60cm tall and 40cm wide, yet both ‘Losetto’ and ‘Romello’ yielded over 250 fruits each – phenomenal! A window box of two plants, interplanted with basil, would be more than ample for a household of three. They yield early and are perfect for hanging baskets, especially cascading types such as the Tumbling series.
The real deal-clincher? These compact bush varieties need no fiddly sideshooting, making them ideal for novice growers.
Maskotka
A compact bush variety with a gentle cascading habit, ideal for pots and baskets. Large, red, cherry-style fruits, early to mature. Flavour Blander than expected and watery. Some sweetness and acid balance, but not pronounced.
Yield 0.98kg (11.3g) 86 fruits
Romello
An F1 hybrid dwarf bush tomato, ideal for pots and baskets. Produced plenty of small, babyplum fruits. Has strong blight resistance.
Flavour A nice balance between acidity and sweetness. Slightly mild but generally tasty. Thin skins.
Yield 1.1kg (4.3g), 252 fruits
COMING UP
April How to grow and train your tomatoes May How to get a bumper harvest