How to Grow Bush Tomato
Solanum centrale
Bush tomato is a small, spiny Australian desert shrub that produces marble-sized fruits with an intense, caramel-like flavour prized in bush-food cooking. Plant in the hottest, sunniest spot in perfectly drained, low-fertility soil. Water to establish then leave it — this plant thrives on neglect and drought. In frost-free climates it is perennial; elsewhere grow in a pot and bring indoors before first frost. Harvest fruits when they turn yellow-brown and dry naturally on the plant.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
No regular feeding needed. Apply a light dressing of low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring only if plants show poor growth.
Watch For
- Spider mite in dry conditions
- Aphids on new growth
- Fruit fly in warm climates
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, maximum heat
Requires intense, direct sun all day. In temperate climates site against a south-facing wall to maximise heat. Any shade reduces fruiting significantly.
Watering
Very low; drought-tolerant once established
Water regularly for the first few weeks after planting. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells — overwatering causes root rot. This plant evolved in arid conditions and thrives on neglect.
Fertilizing
Avoid high-phosphorus feeds; none usually needed
Bush tomato is adapted to infertile desert soils. Rich feeding produces leafy growth at the expense of fruit. If growth is very poor, use a native plant fertiliser low in phosphorus in spring only.
Pruning
Minimal; tidy dead wood in late winter
Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter before new growth begins. Avoid cutting into live wood. The plant naturally reshapes itself after drought dormancy.
Spacing
80-100 cm apart
Allow at least 80-100 cm between plants. Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues in humid conditions outside its native range.
Support
None needed
Bush tomato is a low, self-supporting shrub. No staking or support required.
