What is the Best Type of Tomatoes for Hydroponics?

Tomatoes are one of the largest type of vegetables grown hydroponically. Gardeners who want to raise hydroponic tomatoes should learn about what varieties grow well before they plant a crop.

Beef Steak Varieties

One hybrid variety that is grown successfully is Trust. It is grown in the United States and produces large fruit. The tomato ranges in size from 7 to 10.5 ounces. The plant is resistant to some diseases and has a good shelf life. The seeds are more expensive than other varieties. Another variety is Daniela, a smaller-sized tomato that's 5 to 5.3 ounces.

Heirloom or Open-Pollinated Varieties

Heirloom tomatoes do not do as well. Problems with growing heirloom tomatoes are disease and quality of the fruit. Two varieties that did well in tests were Moskvich, a large round tomato, and Thessaloniki, a beefsteak variety. Both are grown from organic seeds.

Plum or Italian Varieties

San Marzano is an excellent Italian plum tomato that is grown hydroponically. The tomato is 4 to 6.5 ounces and is used in salads and tomato paste. Another variety is Azafram, which is categorized as yellow truss hybrid.

Cherry Tomato Varieties

Red cherry tomato plants that perform well are Cherita, Flavorita and Gardner's Delight. The tomatoes are about .7 ounces. Sungold is a yellow cherry tomato that grows well in greenhouse conditions.

Growing Methods

Some of the growing methods used for hydroponic tomatoes are the nutrient flow and deep flow techniques. Other growing systems for hydroponic tomatoes are ebb and flow, continual flow gravel bed and soil-less organic.

References

• Greenhouse Product News: Hydroponic Tomatoes
• Clear Air Gardening: Growing Tomato Plants