Tomato Trees?

by George Arfaras
(Sandy Hook ,Ct USA)

I recently visited Disney's Epcot center. They were growing tomato trees about 6 ft high.

These were not bushes but trees.

Can I do the same? I am in Connecticut so that might preclude the whole idea.


ANSWER:



Hi George,

There is such a thing as a "tomato tree". It is not the same species as a garden tomato plant.

Tomato trees are a woody plant that will grow to 8 feet tall, and produce fruit after 2 years.

However, they are a tropical plant, and cannot be wintered outdoors where the temperature falls below 32 degrees F.

So you could grow a tomato tree in a greenhouse, but not outdoors in your vegetable garden.

Sorry to bring you bad news...