How to Grow Pickwick Tomato
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Pickwick Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Pickwick'
vegetablePickwick is a compact, determinate dwarf tomato variety bred specifically for container and small-space gardening. It produces abundant small to medium cherry-sized red fruits on bushy plants that typically reach only 12-16 inches tall. This variety is perfect for patios, balconies, and gardeners with limited space.
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Example Pickwick Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pickwick 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 Pickwick Tomato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pickwick Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Get my Pickwick Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons followed by first true leaves appear. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily. Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F).
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple branches. The compact dwarf nature becomes apparent as lateral branches form densely.
Harden off transplants before moving outdoors. Support with small stakes early. Pinch out excessive growth if desired. Water consistently.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Plant may become crowded with foliage.
Maintain consistent watering and temperature. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over fruit. Light pruning of excessive foliage can improve air circulation.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksFlowers develop into small (1-2 inch) round green tomatoes that gradually ripen to bright red. Multiple clusters mature simultaneously on dwarf plants.
Continue consistent watering. Provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate light reaches fruit for color development.
Harvest
4-8 weeks or until frostRipe red fruits are ready for picking. Plant continues producing if cared for well.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Pick fruit fully ripe for best flavor. End of season frost signals final harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick regularly. Encourage parasitic wasps. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if necessary.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs.
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Increase humidity by misting. Use miticide or insecticidal soap. Ensure adequate water.
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Yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Remove infected lower leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove infected plant material. Improve ventilation. Use chlorothalonil or copper fungicide. Destroy plants at season end.
Uses
Fresh Snacking & Salads
CulinaryPickwick cherry tomatoes are perfect for eating fresh off the vine. Their small size, abundance, and sweet flavor make them ideal for salads, appetizers, and children's snacking. [source]
Cooking & Sauces
CulinaryThe concentrated flavor of Pickwick tomatoes makes them excellent for sauces, pasta, and slow cooking. Their small size means less prep work. [source]
Container & Patio Gardening
HouseholdAs a dwarf variety specifically bred for containers, Pickwick is ideal for growing on balconies, patios, windowsills, and small gardens where space is limited. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalTomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with heart health and reduced cancer risk. Fresh homegrown tomatoes retain these beneficial compounds. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers produced by Pickwick plants attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting biodiversity and overall garden health. [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 touch. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Cherry tomatoes continue producing until frost. For extended season, pick mature green fruits at season end and ripen them indoors. Twist fruit gently off the vine or use scissors to avoid damaging plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pickwick was specifically bred by Unwins Seeds in the UK as a dwarf tomato ideal for container growing, making it perfect for urban gardeners and those with limited space.
- 🌱 A single Pickwick plant can produce 100+ small tomatoes in a season despite its tiny 12-16 inch stature, making it incredibly productive for its size.
- 🌱 Cherry tomatoes like Pickwick are closer genetically to wild tomatoes than large heirloom varieties and tend to have more concentrated, intense flavor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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