Tomatoes are one of the common plants that we want to grow in our gardens or around our houses.
Planting tomatoes are pretty similar to planting other fruits and vegetables. But when you want to grow tomatoes healthy and in-time, you need to know about different parameters.
So you might be confused about the size of the pot for tomatoes. You must know about the size of the pot because pot size can affect the growth of tomatoes.
Moreover, many other factors for growing tomatoes are related to the size and quality of the pot. So let’s see details about tomato pot sizes.
Pot size for tomatoes
The pot’s diameter for tomatoes should be from 18 to 24 inches. The height of the pot can be 12 to 24 inches. If you want to consider the volume of the pot, it can be 3 to 5 gallons. The size of the pot for tomatoes depends on the type and size of the tomatoes. But using a larger pot is beneficial.
However, different types of tomatoes are available. Each type of tomato has various requirements. Moreover, they have different sizes. So the size of the pots will also be different. Let’s see the different tomatoes and their pot sizes.
Cherry tomatoes:
Cherry tomatoes are small-sized tomatoes. The roots of these tomatoes are also smaller than the regular tomatoes.
So you will not need large pots for cherry tomatoes. Generally, a 12 inches diameter pot will be enough for a cherry tomato plant. But you can also choose a smaller pot having 8 inches in diameter.
Patio tomatoes:
Patio tomatoes are also smaller than regular tomatoes. So you can choose smaller pots for growing these tomatoes. For example, you can choose from an 8 to 12 inches diameter pot for a patio tomato plant. Moreover, a 3 gallon volume pot will be enough for patio tomatoes.
Tumbling tom tomatoes:
Tumbling tom tomatoes are not tiny like cherry or patio tomatoes. But these tomatoes are compacted and can grow up to 12 inches.
But for safe space, you can grow these tomatoes in a 12 inches diameter pot. Moreover, the height of the pot can be 16 to 18 inches. The volume can be 3 to 5 gallons.
Beefsteak tomatoes:
Beefsteak tomatoes are pretty larger than the cherry or tumbling tom tomatoes. So you will need a larger pot to grow these tomatoes. For example, you must choose a pot that has 12 to 24 inches in diameter.
Moreover, the height of the pot should be more than 12 inches. The safe size is 24 inches in diameter with a 24 inches tall pot. This size pot will contain the beefsteak tomatoes safely.
San Marzano tomatoes:
San Marzano tomatoes are long-size tomatoes. Moreover, these tomatoes can grow larger than other types. So a larger size pot will be required to grow San Marzano tomatoes.
If you want to plant these tomatoes in pots, you must choose at least 12 inches diameter pot. Besides, the height should also be more than 12 inches.
Roma tomatoes:
Roma tomatoes will require medium to large size pots to grow. These plants can grow up to 12 inches. So have to choose pots that have at least 14-16inches in height and 20-24 inches in diameter. Otherwise, the growth of these tomatoes might be affected.
Indeterminate tomatoes:
Indeterminate tomatoes are pretty large. So they will require larger pots. These plants might look small at an early age. But the grown plants are rather large. That’s why choosing the right size pot is essential.
For example, you must choose a pot withat least an 18-inch diameter. Besides, the height should also be at least 24 inches.
Determinate tomatoes:
A determinate tomato plant will also grow larger. Even these plants will need larger pots than the indeterminate tomatoes. These plants can spread their roots. So the diameter of the pots should be at least 24 inches. Moreover, the height of the pot should be more than 24 inches.
Bush tomatoes:
Bush tomatoes can spread in a larger area than other tomatoes. So it will be better if you plant these tomatoes in the soil in the garden. But if you still want to plant them in pots, you have to choose pots that have at least 24 inches in diameter.
Gardeners delight tomatoes:
Gardeners delight tomatoes also grow well and can spread through the soil. So you will need larger size pots for growing gardeners’ delight tomatoes. For example, you can choose a pot at least 24-48 inches in height and 18-36 inches in diameter.
Do tomatoes prefer deep or wide pots?
Whether tomatoes prefer deep or wide pots depends on the type of tomatoes. Because there are varieties of tomatoes available. But generally, tomatoes prefer wider pots. Most tomatoes don’t grow like large trees.
Most tomatoes are medium size and can grow roots from 12 inches to 24 inches. So the depth of the pots is also medium. But the pots should be wider to allow the roots to spread well.
Moreover, the water and other nutrients will not reach the roots if the pots are not wide enough. Generally, pots for tomatoes have 128 to 24 inches in width and 12 to 24 inches in height.
So naturally, tomatoes prefer wider pots. But if the tomatoes are tiny, like cherry or patio tomatoes, an 8 or 12 inches wide pot will be enough.
Is a 3 gallon pot big enough for tomatoes?
A 3 gallon pot is big enough for small size tomatoes. But for the large-size tomatoes, you will need a larger size pot. Generally, for small tomatoes like cherry and patio tomatoes, a 3 gallon pot will be enough.
But if the tomatoes are determinate bush or gardeners delight tomatoes, you just need a larger pot. For example, the pot should be 5 to 10 gallons. Otherwise, the tomatoes will not grow well. So it depends on the type of tomatoes whether a 3 gallon pot is enough or not.
Three factors that determine pot size for tomatoes
Now that you know different tomatoes need different size pots, you might want to know the factors affecting pot size. So let’s see some factors that determine pot size for tomatoes.
Type of the tomato:
First, you have to consider the type of tomato. Because the different kind of tomatoes needs different size pots.
For example, you can grow a cherry tomato plant in a small pot. But if you want to grow bush tomatoes, you will need larger pots. So the type of tomato determines the size of the pot.
Growth of the tomato:
Then you have to consider the growth rate of tomatoes. Some tomatoes might grow deep in the soil. So you will need a larger and deeper pot for these tomatoes.
On the other hand, some tomatoes might look medium to large, but the roots don’t go deep in the soil. In this case, you can choose a medium size pot. So the growth of the tomato also determines the pot size.
Draining of water:
Another thing you have to consider is the draining of the water. To grow tomatoes in a pot healthy, you must keep a sound drainage system in the pot. The plant will not grow well if the pot doesn’t have a proper drainage system.
But a sound drainage system can help grow the tomatoes well. That’s why the draining of water determines the pot size.
How do you grow tomatoes in a pot?
Growing tomatoes in a pot require some rules and care. So if you want to grow tomatoes in a pot, you have to consider some requirements. Let’s see how you can grow tomatoes in a pot.
Choose the right size pot:
First, you must choose the right size pot for the tomato plant. Know the type of tomato and how big the tomato can grow. Then you have to select a pot according to the tomato.
Good soil and fertilizer:
You have to choose good soil for the tomatoes so that the tomatoes can grow healthy. Moreover, you have to add beneficial fertilizers according to the need.
Water and sunlight:
You have to ensure that the plant is getting sufficient water and sunlight. But don’t overwater the plants. Moreover, don’t keep the plants in excessive sunlight.
Final thoughts
The pot size of tomatoes is essential for growing tomatoes properly in a pot. Generally, the pot size can be 12 to 24 inches in diameter. The volume can be 3 to 10 gallons. But the size depends on the type of plant. Moreover, a right size pot should allow natural growth and good drainage.