Mongolian Dwarf
10-15 tomato seeds
£4.95
Out of stock
Mongolian Dwarf - Micro Dwarf Tomato (10-15 seeds)
The 'Mongolian Dwarf' tomato, also known by its Russian name 'Mongolskiy Karlik', is a highly unique and sought-after variety, especially among those who garden in challenging climates or with limited space. It stands out due to its unusual growth habit and surprisingly large fruit for its plant size.
Key Characteristics:
Origin: It's a relatively recent creation from breeders in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia.This origin is significant as it indicates its exceptional hardiness and adaptability to colder, harsher climates with shorter summers.
Growth Habit - "Superdeterminate" or "Micro Dwarf/Sprawling Dwarf": This is where 'Mongolian Dwarf' truly deviates from typical tomato plants.
Extremely Compact Height: It's one of the lowest-growing tomato varieties, typically reaching only 15-40 cm in height
Sprawling/Creeping Nature: Instead of growing tall, the main stem often bends sharply downward once it reaches 20-30 cm, and the plant spreads outwards. It can, if allowed, form a wide, sprawling bush. This means it often doesn't need staking for vertical support, but its branches, laden with fruit, might need to be propped up to prevent the fruits from touching the ground.
Determinate: It's a determinate (or "super-determinate") variety, meaning it grows to a set size and produces its crop over a relatively short period. It generally does not require pruning of side shoots, making it a low-maintenance option.
Fruit Characteristics:
Surprisingly Large Fruit: Despite its tiny plant size, 'Mongolian Dwarf' produces exceptionally large fruits for a dwarf. These are not cherry tomatoes. They are typically medium-sized red slicing tomatoes, weighing around 70-200 grams each.
Colour and Shape: Bright red, oblate (slightly flattened round) fruits.
Flesh and Taste: Fleshy, juicy, and with a good, balanced between sweet and acid "classic tomato flavour." It has a good amount of seeds and juice.
Early Maturity: It's an early-ripening variety, with fruits maturing in approximately 100 days from sowing. This early production is a big advantage in short-season areas.
High Yield: Despite its small stature, it's remarkably productive.
Hardiness and Adaptability:
Cold Tolerance: Bred in Siberia, it's highly tolerant of cold snaps and suitable for regions with short and cold summers.
Wind Resistance: Its low-growing, sprawling habit makes it very resistant to wind damage.
Disease Resistance: Mongolian Dwarf is often praised for good resistance to common tomato diseases, including late blight and splitting/cracking.
Drought Tolerance: Can tolerate droughts and winds well.
Long Fruiting Period: Can fruit until frost, sometimes even into November in suitable climates.
No Pinching/Staking (Mostly): Does not require pinching out of side shoots. While generally self-supporting due to its bush habit, heavy fruit loads might cause branches to bend or touch the ground, so minimal support to keep fruit off the soil can be beneficial, especially in humid conditions.
'Mongolian Dwarf' tomato is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a hardy, high-yielding, and delicious tomato that performs well in challenging conditions and limited spaces, without the need for extensive care.