How to Grow Dwarf Imperial Tomato
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Dwarf Imperial Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Dwarf Imperial'
vegetableDwarf Imperial is a compact, determinate tomato variety that produces full-sized, flavorful red fruits on bushy plants reaching only 2-3 feet tall. This heirloom variety is ideal for containers, small gardens, and space-limited growing areas while maintaining excellent taste and productivity. It was developed in the early 1900s and remains popular for its combination of dwarfism and quality fruit.
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Example Dwarf Imperial Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dwarf Imperial Tomato
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 Dwarf Imperial Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dwarf Imperial Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, can be grown in zones 3-4 as annuals with season extension
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Get my Dwarf Imperial Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-3 true leaves emerging; delicate and light green
Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily under grow lights, maintain 65-75°F, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Vegetative
3-4 weeks after transplantingBushy, compact growth with multiple branches and healthy green foliage; plant reaches mature height of 2-3 feet
Harden off before transplanting outdoors, pinch off lower leaves after flowering begins, provide support with small stakes or cages, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters; plant continues branching with increasingly dense foliage
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive foliage at expense of fruit; switch to lower-nitrogen formula (5-10-10), ensure consistent watering, maintain air circulation to prevent disease
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green tomatoes develop where flowers were; fruits enlarge and begin color change to yellow, then orange, then red
Continue consistent watering to prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking, provide potassium-rich fertilizer, prune excess foliage if fruits are shaded, monitor for pests and diseases
Harvest
4-8 weeks of continuous harvestFruits reach full red color and slight give when gently squeezed; plant continues producing until frost
Pick fruits at full color for best flavor, harvest regularly to encourage continued production, can pick breaker stage (first blush of color) for ripening indoors if frost threatens
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, encourage parasitic wasps by planting borage and dill nearby
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Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity, remove heavily infested leaves
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage natural predators, ensure good air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, release beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove infected lower leaves, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, apply copper fungicide, mulch to prevent soil splash
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Choose resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, sterilize tools, remove infected plants, improve drainage
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryDwarf Imperial produces classic, full-sized red tomatoes with balanced sweet-tart flavor and firm flesh, making them excellent for slicing and eating fresh. The plants' compact size makes them perfect for patio gardens and urban growing. [source]
Canning and sauce making
CulinaryThe meaty fruits with good flavor make Dwarf Imperial suitable for tomato sauce, paste, and canning projects. The determinate growth habit produces a concentrated harvest ideal for preserving. [source]
Cooking and processing
CulinaryThese tomatoes are excellent for cooked dishes including soups, stews, and curries due to their robust flavor that intensifies when heated. [source]
Container and ornamental gardening
HouseholdThe dwarf, bushy growth habit makes Dwarf Imperial ideal for growing in pots, hanging baskets, and small spaces. Plants bear decorative fruit throughout the season. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Dwarf Imperial is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with heart health and cancer prevention. Fresh tomatoes also provide vitamins C and K. [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 the touch. Dwarf Imperial has a concentrated harvest period due to its determinate nature, with most fruit ripening within 2-3 weeks. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering. Fruits can be picked at the breaker stage (first blush of color) and ripened indoors if needed. For best flavor, harvest in early morning and allow to reach room temperature before eating.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dwarf Imperial is a determinate (or bush) variety, meaning it reaches a predetermined maximum height and produces most of its fruit in a concentrated period, making it excellent for preserving and canning.
- 🌱 This heirloom variety was developed in the early 1900s and has been passed down through generations of gardeners, representing nearly 120 years of seed-saving heritage.
- 🌱 The compact 2-3 foot plants can produce 50-100+ full-sized tomatoes per season despite their small stature, making them incredibly productive for their size.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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