Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Rapunzel')
Solanum lycopersicum 'Rapunzel' is an indeterminate Tomato producing long, cascading stems with up to 40 small, red cherry tomatoes.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ is a highly desirable variety of Tomato, prized by gardeners for its unique growth habit producing abundant, cascading fruit clusters. This indeterminate cultivar forms long, heavy stems, each capable of supporting up to 40 small, perfectly round, red cherry tomatoes, making it a visual showstopper in the garden or container. As an annual vegetable, the primary focus for growing this Tomato is maximizing its edible yield while managing its substantial vertical growth.
Tomatoes, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum, are generally tender perennials treated as annuals in most climates. Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ requires consistent care, thriving best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils bathed in full sun throughout the growing season. Gardeners must commit to proper support structures—caging or staking is strongly recommended—to manage the weight of the heavy fruiting stems generated by this specific Tomato variety.
The impressive visual presentation, combined with the reliable harvest of small, edible fruits, secures the place of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ in summer vegetable production. While maintenance is moderate, attention to disease resistance selection and consistent moisture management will ensure a successful season growing this captivating Tomato.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Annual
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Starting your Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ indoors 5 to 6 weeks prior to your area’s last expected frost date is the standard practice, although starter plants are widely available. For direct sowing, wait until danger of frost has passed, especially if planting into large patio containers outdoors. When transplanting into the garden, these Tomatoes prefer average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils, though they perform best in deep, humusy, fertile loams.
If planting multiple standard-sized tomatoes, aim for rows spaced 4 to 5 feet apart. For supporting varieties like ‘Rapunzel’, spacing plants about 1.5 feet apart alongside robust stakes or cages allows for optimal air circulation and support. Remember to select cultivars resistant to common problems like Verticillium (“V”) and Fusarium (“F”) wilts when making your purchasing choices.
Consistent deep watering is crucial throughout the summer months to maintain soil moisture, as irregular watering can lead to physiological disorders. Mulching the root zone is highly beneficial for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. For indeterminate tomatoes such as this one, selectively removing suckers to focus energy into one or two central stems can aid in management, though heavy pruning should be done carefully to avoid stressing the heavy fruit load. Regular crop rotation year-to-year is essential to minimize the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Landscape Uses
The primary function of growing the Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains culinary, but the cascading nature of fruit on Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ offers unique aesthetic benefits. While it belongs firmly in the vegetable garden, its structure lends itself well to large, decorative containers placed near patios or high-traffic areas where its fruiting habit can be easily admired.
When incorporating ‘Rapunzel’ into a productive space, pair it with shorter, bushier herbs that benefit from similar sun and soil conditions, such as basil or oregano, to create layered planting effects. For gardeners prioritizing yield and beauty, consider planting supported tomato rows adjacent to ornamental structures or fences that can integrate the staking system seamlessly into the overall design. The vibrant red fruit clusters provide excellent seasonal color contrast against green foliage.
Since this is a vigorous vine, ensure companions do not overly crowd the base, which can impede airflow—a significant concern when growing any Tomato. Focus on vertical integration rather than dense bedding around the base of the plant.
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tomatoes are tender perennials typically cultivated in gardens as annuals for their highly valued fruit. This specific cultivar, ‘Rapunzel’, is an indeterminate type noted for its indeterminate stem growth, resulting in long, vine-like structures. It distinguishes itself by producing numerous long stems, each bearing up to 40 small, round, red cherry tomatoes, forming an impressive, edible cascade suitable even for container growing provided robust support is used.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Tomato cultivation comes with a roster of potential challenges, primarily revolving around diseases, pests, and environmental stress. Fungal and bacterial issues are common, including anthracnose, early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt, and verticillium wilt. Prevention involves selecting resistant varieties, ensuring good air circulation by proper spacing, and practicing diligent crop rotation annually.
Insect pests frequently target the Tomato, requiring vigilance against tomato hornworms, tomato fruitworms, stinkbugs, aphids, and whiteflies. Regular scouting allows for early intervention, often utilizing targeted, least-toxic controls. Gardeners should also watch for physiological disorders like blossom end rot, which is often linked to inconsistent calcium uptake or watering irregularities.
A specific concern for this American genus is its sensitivity to juglone; planting near black walnut trees should be avoided as Solanum lycopersicum tends to perform poorly under its influence. Consistent, deep watering, combined with appropriate staking and pruning techniques suitable for an indeterminate tomato, will mitigate many common cultural issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tomato suitable for?
Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ is suited for warm climates falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11 when grown outdoors as a seasonal annual.
How large does Tomato grow?
This Tomato cultivar typically reaches a height between 3 to 6 feet and spreads moderately between 3 and 4 feet, depending on pruning and support systems utilized.
What sun exposure does Tomato need?
For optimal fruit production, the Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’) requires full sun exposure throughout the primary growing period.
When does Tomato bloom?
The flowers on this variety are noteworthy for being showy, though the listing specifies they are generally considered “Flowers not showy.”
Conclusion
Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ offers gardeners an exceptional combination of productivity and ornamental appeal due to its cascading fruit clusters, making it a standout choice among Tomatoes. Successfully cultivating this indeterminate variety hinges on providing robust support and consistent medium water levels during the hot growing season. Check your local frost dates and plan your indoor starting schedule now to enjoy the lengthy harvest of this beautiful Solanum lycopersicum.
Companion Planting
When integrating Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’ into your garden plan, selecting compatible neighbors enhances health and yields. Good companions benefit from the same full sun and moderate watering needs, making herbs excellent partners. Basil is famously beneficial to tomatoes, potentially improving flavor while repelling certain flying pests.
Marigolds (Tagetes species) are often recommended near tomatoes to help suppress nematodes, a persistent soil-borne threat to the root system of the Tomato. Conversely, avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas or corn, as they can compete heavily for nutrients or inhibit growth.
Healthy companion groupings ensure that the demanding needs of an indeterminate tomato variety like ‘Rapunzel’ are met without inviting excessive competition or disease exchange between plants. Ensure adequate spacing is maintained to allow sufficient airflow around the heavy foliage and fruiting stems.
Container Growing
The vigorous nature of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Rapunzel’, which produces heavy, cascading stems, surprisingly allows it to be grown successfully in containers, though careful sizing is essential. Choose the largest container possible—a minimum of 10-15 gallons is recommended—to provide adequate root volume to support the full height and fruit load of this indeterminate tomato.
Because container media drains faster than garden soil, the “medium” water requirement becomes more critical; daily monitoring may be necessary during extreme summer heat to prevent wilting and stress that leads to blossom end rot. Adequate drainage holes are non-negotiable to prevent waterlogging, which compromises healthy root function.
Staking or caging must be implemented immediately upon potting, as integrating support later risks damaging the root structure. If growing in a patio pot where the cascading effect is desired, use a tall, central support system so the long stems can drape gracefully over the container edge once they reach the top, offering a beautiful display of edible fruit.
