Photo by Susy Morris/Flickr

If you dream of growing tomatoes, but only have a tiny garden … don’t give up hope. A wide variety of tomatoes can be grown in containers, from dwarf patio tomatoes to sprawling indeterminate tomatoes. In this article, we focus on some of our favorite smaller tomato varieties that can be grown in a Hula planter. Check it out!

Patio tomatoes and mixed herb garden in Hula plantersPatio Tomatoes

The classic Patio hybrid tomato (shown here with a mixed herb garden) grows great in a Hula planter.  The red fruit ripens in about 70 days on this prolific little plant, reaching nearly 2 feet tall. Staking isn’t needed for the sturdy stems, but it always good to add support.

Patio is resistant to fusarium wilt (F), alternaria stem canker (ASC), and gray leaf spot (St).

Totem Tomatoes

Another popular variety, Totem tomatoes grow on stocky plants that only reach about 24 inches tall. Grow these tomatoes in Hula containers or a large hanging basket, and enjoy the red fruit.

Tumbling Tom tomatoes

Tumbling Tom Tomatoes

Delightful Tumbling Tom grows great in hanging baskets and tumbling over Hula planters.  Available with red or yellow tomatoes, these small hybrid plants produce lots of fruit in just over 63 days.

Tumbling Tom photo by Norman Winter Mississippi State University.

Sun gold tomatoesSun Gold Tomatoes

Sun Gold cherry tomatoes taste as sweet as can be. You may have trouble getting the golden cherry tomatoes inside of the house, and not eating them all in the garden.

Cherry tomatoes tend to adapt well to containers. Although the plant will grow too big for a Hula, this variety does well in a large pot on the patio.

Growing Tips for Patio Tomatoes

Patio tomatoes with blossomsPlant container tomatoes in a high quality potting soil; rather than in regular garden soil that may not allow proper drainage. We recommend Victory Brand Garden Soil. Adding a couple inches of mulch will reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Tomatoes thrive in at least 8 hours of sun to bring out their full flavor. Leave plenty of room between plants for good air circulation. Wait until after the last frost date in your area to plant tomatoes.

Water at the roots, and avoid wetting the plant foliage to reduce fungal diseases.

Avoid fertilizing with too much nitrogen as this will produce lots of leaves, but not many flowers. Feed plants with a balanced fertilizer specified for tomatoes, which includes calcium.

A couple inches of Buckaroo Worm Castings at planting time, and 1/2 inch every 30 days, is a great way to enhance the growing process and add nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.

More Resources

Growing Tomato Tips from Colorado Master Gardeners

Four Great Veggies for Container Gardens

Hula Planters

Victory Brand Garden Soil 

Buckaroo Worm Castings