Santorini Cherry Tomato bush

[GiovannaD]

I visited the local annual flower show in Kifissia, Athens and got tired of seeing the same noids over and over again. So I decided to get into sth new: I bought a cherry tomato bush, which as I was told, produces tomatoes thoughout the summer and early autumn.
The thing about the santorini variety is that it is grown in a very arid climate with lots of evening moisture and harsh sunlight, so the fruits are smaller than the ones grown in greenhouses, the skin is somewhat thicker but they taste like 10 concentrated tomatoes! So far I've noticed that the plant itself smells intensely...tomato-ish!
Has anyone ever tried these cute bushes? They're really small, yet the one I bought already bears at least 10 fruits even though it's 20cm/8" tall. Will post a pic tomorrow as it's cloudy today.

[clintdawley]

I've personally grown several cherry tomato plants. They grow well in poorish soil, take the Texas heat and sun and grow like weeds. For my own personal tastes, they taste too tomato-like (like you said). However, they make great marinara sauce!

[GiovannaD]

I'm quite fond of them in pizzas and in a plain old greek salad with feta. Sounds like it's easy to grow them successfully! Any ideas on organic fertilizers? How about pests?

[clintdawley]

Use fish emulsion or seaweed extract as a nice organic alternative. Huge tobacco horn worms are the only pest I have to deal with around here. Usually a good dose of Neem oil is all that is required. Neem oil is organic and safe to use on vegetable crops up until the day of harvest..just wash them well.

I'm quite fond of them in pizzas and in a plain old greek salad with feta. Sounds like it's easy to grow them successfully! Any ideas on organic fertilizers? How about pests?

[cindiras]

I find mosquitos like to hang around my tomato plants. Argh!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I'm quite fond of them in pizzas and in a plain old greek salad with feta. Sounds like it's easy to grow them successfully! Any ideas on organic fertilizers? How about pests?

Now I am hungry! A nice big Greek salad with fresh feta, red onions, lots of olives..... oh.., now I am gonna have to go to the store. hehe..

Cheers,
BD

[GiovannaD]

Add some dried oregano. Some even like to add sliced green peppers and parsley instead of oregano. Don't forget to dunk handfuls of bread in the oil after you're done with the veggies. Ah, the notorious "papara". Careful not to use that in public though!!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Add some dried oregano. Some even like to add sliced green peppers and parsley instead of oregano. Don't forget to dunk handfuls of bread in the oil after you're done with the veggies. Ah, the notorious "papara". Careful not to use that in public though!!

You have learned well - you enabler you. heheh...

I plan to plant a couple of tomato plants in planters on the porch this year. In the past we have done a big garden and canned the tomatoes and peppers, but I find it a lot easier to just plant a couple of plants and have fresh veggies through the fall. Check out this thread and the photos in the 3rd and 16th post.

Cheers,
BD