How to Grow Bonanza Scarlet
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Bonanza Scarlet
Solanum lycopersicum 'Bonanza Scarlet'
vegetableBonanza Scarlet is a compact, determinate tomato variety bred specifically for container gardening and small spaces. It produces abundant, medium-sized bright red fruits with excellent flavor and disease resistance. This dwarf variety grows only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and hanging baskets.
When should you plant Bonanza Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Bonanza Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bonanza Scarlet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bonanza Scarlet
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bonanza Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; treat as cool-season crop in zones 9-11
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Get my Bonanza Scarlet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) and emerging first true leaves. Very delicate and small.
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights or window. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stem and multiple sets of true leaves. Compact growth habit remains low and bushy.
Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting. Continue regular watering. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Minimal pruning needed due to determinate nature.
Flowering
2-3 weeks, overlapping with fruitingSmall yellow flower clusters appear along the stem at leaf axils. Flowers are tiny but prolific due to plant's compact size.
Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom-end rot. Switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus/potassium). Ensure adequate pollination through gentle air circulation or hand-pollinating.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksFlowers set fruit, developing into marble-to-golf ball-sized bright red tomatoes. Multiple fruits ripen simultaneously on compact plant.
Maintain steady watering and fertilization with tomato-specific formula. Monitor for pests and diseases. Light staking or caging may help support fruit weight despite plant's short stature.
Harvest
Until first frost (determinate variety produces concentrated harvest)Fruits reach full red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Plant continues producing until frost kills foliage.
Pick ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued flowering and production. Use pruners to avoid damaging plant. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars or prune affected shoots. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if severe.
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity around plant.
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Sticky traps, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove infected lower leaves, improve air circulation, mulch soil, avoid overhead watering. Apply copper or sulfur fungicide if needed.
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryBonanza Scarlet tomatoes are excellent for slicing, dicing into salads, and cooking down into sauces. Their sweet flavor and manageable size make them versatile for fresh consumption. [source]
Container gardening cuisine
CulinaryPerfect for urban gardeners and balcony growers who want homegrown tomatoes. The compact size and prolific yield make it ideal for patios and small kitchens. [source]
Space-saving gardening
HouseholdBonanza Scarlet's dwarf determinant habit saves garden space while producing abundant fruit. Ideal for hanging baskets, small plots, and apartment living. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C, supporting cardiovascular health and immune function. Fresh homegrown tomatoes retain more nutrients than store-bought varieties. [source]
Pollinator attractor
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Growing these plants supports local pollinator populations and garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Best flavor at room temperature. For determinate varieties like Bonanza Scarlet, most fruit ripens within 1-2 weeks. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Tomatoes can be picked slightly pink and ripened indoors if needed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bonanza Scarlet was specifically bred by Johnny's Selected Seeds to be the ultimate patio tomato, winning trials for compact growth and productivity in small spaces.
- 🌱 Despite reaching only 12-18 inches tall, a single Bonanza Scarlet plant can produce 20-30+ tomatoes in a season, making it exceptionally prolific per square inch.
- 🌱 This variety is determinate, meaning it sets flowers and produces fruit in a concentrated timeframe before stopping growth—ideal for fresh sauce-making or preserving.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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