Description of the Bonsai tomato and its growing characteristics

The "Bonsai" variety is a dwarf ornamental tomato. Its compact size allows it to be grown even on a city windowsill. Russian gardeners, who grow this tomato both indoors and in greenhouses, appreciate its low maintenance and excellent flavor.

Characteristics of the variety

The "Bonsai" variety of tomato bushes is small, reaching 25-40 cm. The plants are quite attractive: dark green foliage is harmoniously complemented by the red spheres of the fruit. Each bush produces a good harvest of up to 1.7 kg of delicious tomatoes. The growing season lasts 85-90 days.

Description of fruits

Ripe tomatoes are round and a deep red color. Each small fruit weighs 25-45 grams. They have a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor, which is especially popular with children. The flesh is quite firm, and the skin is thin and smooth. The fruits are eaten fresh and pickled.

Landing

Typically, seeds are sown in late February or early March. After two months, the seedlings can be transplanted into the garden or left indoors. Soil for seedlings can be purchased at a store or prepared at home. It includes peat, sand, and fertile soil. Wood ash can also be added as a fertilizer. Before sowing, the soil is disinfected with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The seeds are buried 1.8-2 cm into the soil. Then, the pots are covered with plastic wrap until the seedlings emerge. The first shoots appear within 5-6 days.

After two months, transplant the plants to their permanent location—a wide pot (5-7 liters) or a bed in the garden. To grow Bonsai tomato bushes, choose a well-lit location. It doesn't matter whether it's in direct sunlight or a shaded area. In a greenhouse, you can plant 7-9 bushes per square meter.

Features of cultivation and care

Tomato pots must have holes in the bottom to allow excess moisture to drain. They are best placed on a south-facing windowsill. If light is insufficient, install special fluorescent lamps.

Water the bushes 1-2 times a week with warm water, at the roots. Before flowering, the leaves can be sprayed with room-temperature water.

During the growing season, the plants are fed 3-4 times with potassium and nitrogen fertilizers. During flowering, pollination can be assisted by gently shaking the inflorescences every 3 days (this is not necessary!). The Bonsai tomato has both male and female cells, so it does not require artificial pollination.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Advantages:

• Easy care.
• No pinching or tying to a support is required.
• Excellent taste.
• High yield.
• Can serve as an interior decoration.
• Possibility of growing both at home and in the garden.

Flaws:

The Bonsai variety has no significant drawbacks, other than its need for watering. Difficulties may arise in winter due to central heating in the apartment.

Conclusion

The "Bonsai" variety was bred specifically for indoor cultivation. However, this tomato grows well both in greenhouses and in open ground (in southern Russia). The plants produce a good harvest with proper care. This variety is best suited for amateur vegetable growers and those who enjoy year-round gardening.

Reviews

Vladimir

My wife and I are growing bonsai on our balcony. We love both the process and the results. The tomatoes grow beautifully and deliciously—we eat them ourselves and spoil our grandchildren with them. We plant tomatoes in the spring and a second crop in the summer to ensure we have fresh tomatoes until late fall.

Anna I., Kostroma

I used to only grow greens on my windowsill. Then my mom recommended a bonsai tomato. Not really believing it would work, I planted it last spring. Not all the seeds sprouted, but the seedlings were strong and growing well. I provided supplemental lighting with a special lamp since the apartment is generally dark. I tried not to overwater and followed my experienced mom's advice as much as possible. The result was delicious tomatoes. I'm happy with the results.

Irina

I used to grow this variety on the windowsill, but when I got my dacha, I started planting them in the greenhouse. My granddaughter loves them – she eats them straight from the bush (I don't water them with any chemicals or spray them). I especially like these tomatoes canned. They rarely crack in brine, and even if they do, they retain their shape.