UC Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced the introduction of four new dwarf tomato varieties, developed through the Dwarf Tomato Project. These varieties will be available at sales in Walnut Creek and Richmond.
The Dwarf Tomato Project began in 2006 as a collaborative effort among tomato enthusiasts worldwide. Its goal is to develop compact, easy-to-maintain tomato plants that do not compromise on flavor or variety. The project aims to make flavorful tomatoes accessible for gardeners with limited space.
Dwarf tomato plants are recognized by their sturdy structure, dense foliage, and thick central stems. They typically range from two to four and a half feet in height, making them suitable for container gardening or small plots. Despite their size, these plants can produce fruits up to 18 ounces in weight and come in a wide range of colors and flavors.
All varieties from the Dwarf Tomato Project are designated as ‘Open Source’ under the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI). This ensures seeds remain free from patents or other restrictions, allowing gardeners and breeders to use, share, and further develop these varieties. The OSSI pledge is designed to maintain these freedoms for current and future generations.
According to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, “By choosing to grow dwarf tomato varieties from the Dwarf Tomato Project, gardeners contribute to a movement that values biodiversity, sustainability, and the joy of cultivating flavorful, heirloom-quality tomatoes in spaces of any size.”
Last year’s trials provided several recommendations for growing these tomatoes successfully:
– Use 15-gallon pots for best results; 10-gallon pots are acceptable but five gallons is too small.
– Water consistently but sparingly; overwatering leads to yellow leaves.
– Provide enough space for air circulation.
– Prune minimally except for bottom leaves.
– Stake stems or use cages due to fruit weight.
– Fertilize at planting, flowering start, and mid-summer.
The four new dwarf tomato varieties are:
Eagle Smiley (Dwarf): A cherry-type plant reaching about five feet tall with clusters of bright golden-yellow fruit. It is described as extremely productive with intense sugary flavor.
Mary’s Cherry (Dwarf): Produces many purple cherry-type tomatoes with complex sweet/tart flavor. Fruit sizes vary on each plant.
Beauty King (Dwarf): This variety yields round red fruits with golden stripes weighing six to twelve ounces. It features rich flavors and sometimes produces very large fruits.
Wild Fred (Dwarf): Offers medium-sized purple slicer tomatoes similar in flavor and appearance to Cherokee Purple. Fruits range from small slicers to extra-large beefsteak size.
A Master Gardener described Wild Fred: “Wild Fred is crazy ‘wild,’ producing delectable tasting reddish/purplish tomatoes ranging from small slicers to extra-large beefsteak size. Flavor wise, this was a favorite: with deep, rich, red tomato flavor.”
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources enhances lives across California by sharing science-based practices through research centers located throughout diverse ecosystems (https://ucanr.edu/). The organization operates offices in all 58 California counties along with nine Research and Extension Centers (https://ucanr.edu/), applying University of California expertise statewide (https://ucanr.edu/). Glenda Humiston serves as vice president (https://ucanr.edu/).
For more information about UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ programs supporting communities through research initiatives—including farming practices and food networks—visit their official website.