Which tomato should I plant?

Growing fresh tomatoes is easy to do in any size garden. Find out which types of tomatoes you can plant and how to grow them with these tips from Bunnings.

Growing fresh tomatoes is easy to do in any size garden. Whether you grow them in pots, a raised garden bed or your veggie patch, all you need is your favourite seedlings, well-prepared soil and a protected area with plenty of sun. But which tomato is right for you? We’ll take you through the different types of tomatoes you can grow and where they grow best.

Tomatoes to grow in pots

Most of the popular tomato varieties do grow well in pots. Apart from being a good option for growing in smaller outdoor spaces, the great thing about pots is you can move them around to find the best warm, sunny position.

Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes also grow well in pots, particularly in humid areas, and they look great cascading down from hanging baskets. You can trail cherry tomatoes along a fence or the edge of a raised garden bed.

Patio Prize
This compact bushing tomato plant grows up to 50cm tall. Growing well in full sun, with moderate watering, these are strong and vigorous tomatoes that produce high yields of medium-sized, juicy fruit around 2–4cm.

Tomatoes to grow in garden beds

If you plan to grow tomatoes in a veggie patch or raised garden bed, there are all sorts of interesting varieties to try. Prepare the soil first by digging in some organic matter, and giving it a good drink with some liquid fertiliser. Also, the best way to encourage healthy fruiting in any variety is to stake the plants while they are still young.

Gross Lisse
One of the most popular tomato varieties to grow in Australia is the Gross Lisse. Great for staking, this trusty plant produces good yields of medium to large fruits and is able to adapt to most soil conditions. This variety produces the best fruit in a protected, warm, sunny spot with deep free-draining soil.

Truss Tomatoes
Truss Tomatoes are another good option for staking in a garden bed and generally grow up to 1.8m. So called because each plant produces bunches or ‘trusses’ of tomatoes that can carry up to six medium-sized fruits. This bushing variety has a good resistance to disease and will enjoy a small amount of fertilising every few weeks once the plant starts flowering.

Tasty Slice
Tomato Tasty slice is a dwarf growing variety which produces masses of medium sized fruit. Ideal for growing in both pots or garden beds in nutrient rich soil or potting media. This plant has good hybrid vigour and disease resistance.

Big Beef
A large, beefsteak type tomato with a delicious, old fashioned flavour. Ideal for the home garden, this high yielding tomato produces large, flavoursome, bright red fruit.

D.I.Y. More Advice

03:11

Planting & Growing How to grow vegetables Watch our step-by-step guide and find out everything you need to know about how to grow fresh vegetables in your garden.

Planting & Growing Six plants that repel mosquitoes and flies Using plants is a natural and effective way to repel mosquitoes, flies and other insects from entering your home. Here’s a list of the six best insect-repelling plants.

Planting & Growing Gardening for kids Gardening is great for the kids—it teaches them a love of nature and the environment, where food comes from, how to care for plants and the joy of reaching a goal. Here are some ideas to get them outside and in the garden.

Planting & Growing How to create a low-allergy garden If you suffer from hay fever or other allergies, then being out in the garden can, at times, be less than enjoyable. But there are some steps you can take to create an allergy-friendly garden so you can spend more time gardening and less time sneezi...

Planting & Growing 10 high protein foods you can grow at home Grow these high protein vegetables and protein rich foods at home in your very own garden. Whether you’re a vegetarian or are trying to eat healthier, here’s our list of top 10 high protein vegetables to grow at home.

Planting & Growing How to control weeds organically There are plenty of organic ways to keep weeds at bay without the need for nasty chemicals. Here are some top tips from Eco Organic Garden.

Planting & Growing How to grow and care for a fiddle leaf fig With lustrous, wide, violin-shaped leaves and prominent veins, this upright leafy tree will create a graceful backdrop of luxurious fresh foliage in your home or garden. But to keep it in the best health and appearance, there are some tips and trick...

Planting & Growing How to grow your own pizza herbs View our guide on how to grow perfect pizza herbs at home. Create adaptable and different tasting pizzas by adding a sprinkle of your favourite home-grown herbs.