Best Tomato Varieties to Grow in the UK: 15 Top Choices for Gardens and Allotments

Choosing the best tomato varieties to grow in the UK can make an enormous difference to your harvest.

With so many different tomatoes available, deciding which seeds or plants to buy can sometimes be more difficult than actually growing them.

There are tiny cherry tomatoes, enormous beefsteak varieties, traditional salad tomatoes, plum tomatoes for cooking and compact bush tomatoes that can be grown in hanging baskets.

Some varieties are particularly suitable for greenhouses and polytunnels, while others perform better outdoors in the unpredictable British summer.

You can also choose tomato varieties bred for resistance to late blight, which can be particularly useful in wetter parts of the UK.

Here at Gardening with Ben, tomatoes are one of those crops I always enjoy growing. Whether you’re planting a few containers on your patio or filling a greenhouse with productive plants, there’s something wonderful about picking a ripe tomato that’s been grown at home.

The flavour of freshly harvested tomatoes is one of the biggest reasons so many gardeners grow them year after year.

However, choosing the right variety is essential.

A tomato that performs brilliantly in a warm greenhouse might struggle in an exposed outdoor vegetable bed.

Likewise, a compact bush tomato could be perfect for a patio but unsuitable if you’re looking for enormous quantities of large slicing tomatoes.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore 15 of the best tomato varieties to grow in the UK, including their growing habits, fruit types, flavour characteristics and the conditions they’re best suited to.

We’ll also explain the differences between bush and cordon tomatoes, how to choose varieties for northern England, which tomatoes offer blight resistance and how to plan a productive tomato harvest.

What Are the Best Tomato Varieties to Grow in the UK?

The best tomato variety depends on where you’re growing it and how you want to use the harvest.

For gardeners who enjoy sweet cherry tomatoes, Sungold F1 and Sweet Million F1 are popular choices.

For traditional salad tomatoes, Gardener’s Delight and Ailsa Craig are well-known varieties.

For larger fruits, Marmande and Brandywine are interesting options.

For gardeners concerned about late blight, Crimson Crush F1 and Mountain Magic F1 are worth considering.

If you’re growing in containers, compact varieties such as Tumbling Tom and Tiny Tim may be more suitable.

Quick Comparison: 15 Tomato Varieties

Tomato variety	Type	Growing habit	Best suited to
Sungold F1	Orange cherry	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Gardener’s Delight	Red cherry	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Sweet Million F1	Red cherry	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Ailsa Craig	Medium salad	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Shirley F1	Medium salad	Cordon	Greenhouse
Moneymaker	Medium salad	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Alicante	Medium salad	Cordon	Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors
Roma VF	Plum	Determinate bush	Warm, sheltered conditions
San Marzano	Plum	Usually cordon	Greenhouse or warm, sheltered conditions
Marmande	Beefsteak	Semi-determinate or variable	Greenhouse or warm conditions
Brandywine	Beefsteak	Cordon	Greenhouse
Crimson Crush F1	Medium to large	Cordon	Outdoors or greenhouse
Mountain Magic F1	Small salad/cocktail	Cordon	Outdoors or greenhouse
Tumbling Tom	Cherry	Trailing bush	Hanging baskets and containers
Tiny Tim	Small cherry	Compact bush	Pots and small spaces

Growing habits can vary between strains and suppliers, particularly for older varieties. Always check the seed packet before pruning or choosing supports.

1. Sungold F1 — Best for Sweet Cherry Tomatoes

Sungold F1 is one of the most popular cherry tomato varieties among British gardeners.

It produces attractive orange fruits with a wonderfully sweet flavour.

The fruits are relatively small and grow in clusters along vigorous plants.

Why Grow Sungold?

• Exceptionally sweet flavour
• Attractive orange fruits
• Productive under suitable conditions
• Excellent for eating fresh
• Suitable for greenhouses and sheltered outdoor positions

Growing Habit

Sungold is a cordon tomato.

This means it grows upwards and normally requires supporting and regular removal of side shoots.

Best Growing Position

A greenhouse or polytunnel is ideal, although it can also perform well outdoors in warm, sheltered conditions.

Best Uses

Sungold tomatoes are delicious straight from the plant, in salads or added to summer meals.

Things to Consider

The fruits can sometimes split, particularly when watering is irregular or following sudden changes in moisture.

2. Gardener’s Delight — Best Traditional Cherry Tomato

Gardener’s Delight is a classic tomato variety that has been grown in British gardens for many years.

It produces small, red tomatoes with a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity.

Why Grow Gardener’s Delight?

• Popular traditional variety
• Good flavour
• Suitable for several growing environments
• Useful for salads and fresh eating
• Widely available as seeds and plants

Growing Habit

Usually grown as a cordon tomato.

Best Growing Position

Suitable for greenhouses and warm, sheltered outdoor positions.

Best Uses

Fresh salads, sandwiches and eating directly from the plant.

Things to Consider

As with most outdoor tomatoes, disease pressure and summer weather can affect the harvest.

3. Sweet Million F1 — Best for Heavy Cherry Tomato Crops

Sweet Million F1 is another excellent cherry tomato variety.

It produces numerous small, red fruits in clusters.

Why Grow Sweet Million?

• Productive cherry tomato
• Sweet flavour
• Attractive fruit clusters
• Good for regular harvesting
• Useful for families who enjoy fresh tomatoes

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse, polytunnel or warm outdoor location.

Best Uses

Salads, lunchboxes and fresh snacking.

Things to Consider

Plants can become vigorous and need reliable support.

4. Ailsa Craig — Best Traditional Salad Tomato

Ailsa Craig is a well-known British salad tomato variety.

It produces medium-sized red fruits with a traditional tomato flavour.

Why Grow Ailsa Craig?

• Classic salad tomato
• Useful fruit size
• Good flavour
• Suitable for greenhouse cultivation
• Popular with gardeners wanting traditional varieties

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors.

Best Uses

Sandwiches, salads and everyday cooking.

Things to Consider

Ailsa Craig doesn’t offer the strong late-blight resistance of some modern specialist hybrids.

5. Shirley F1 — Best for Greenhouse Growing

Shirley F1 is a popular greenhouse tomato variety.

It produces medium-sized red fruits and is particularly valued for protected cultivation.

Why Grow Shirley?

• Well suited to greenhouse conditions
• Reliable cropping under suitable conditions
• Good-quality salad tomatoes
• Popular hybrid variety
• Useful for gardeners wanting medium-sized fruits

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse or polytunnel.

Best Uses

Salads, sandwiches and general kitchen use.

Things to Consider

Shirley F1 is often chosen for its resistance to certain greenhouse tomato diseases, but resistance does not mean immunity to every tomato problem.

Check current supplier information for specific resistance claims.

6. Moneymaker — Best Familiar All-Round Tomato

Moneymaker is one of the best-known tomato varieties grown in Britain.

It produces medium-sized red tomatoes.

Why Grow Moneymaker?

• Widely available
• Traditional salad tomato
• Suitable for greenhouse growing
• Can also be grown outdoors in favourable conditions
• Useful for general cooking

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse or sheltered outdoors.

Best Uses

Sandwiches, salads and sauces.

Things to Consider

Although familiar and widely grown, Moneymaker isn’t necessarily the best choice for every gardener.

If flavour or late-blight resistance is your main priority, compare it with newer varieties.

7. Alicante — Best for Classic Medium-Sized Tomatoes

Alicante is another popular traditional tomato variety.

It produces smooth, red, medium-sized fruits.

Why Grow Alicante?

• Attractive salad tomatoes
• Useful fruit size
• Suitable for greenhouse growing
• Can perform outdoors in favourable locations
• Good general-purpose variety

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse, polytunnel or sheltered outdoors.

Best Uses

Salads, sandwiches and cooking.

Things to Consider

Like many traditional varieties, it can be vulnerable to late blight when grown outdoors.

8. Roma VF — Best Bush Plum Tomato for Cooking

Roma VF is a plum tomato variety often chosen for sauces and cooking.

Its fruits are more elongated than traditional salad tomatoes.

They generally contain relatively firm flesh, making them useful for cooked dishes.

Why Grow Roma VF?

• Good for sauces
• Plum-shaped fruits
• Useful for preserving and cooking
• Bush growth habit
• Attractive choice for gardeners who cook with tomatoes

Growing Habit

Determinate bush.

Best Growing Position

Warm, sheltered conditions.

A greenhouse or polytunnel may improve reliability in cooler areas.

Best Uses

Tomato sauces, soups and cooked dishes.

Things to Consider

The VF designation refers to resistance bred against certain Verticillium and Fusarium diseases, not late blight.

9. San Marzano — Best Traditional Italian Plum Tomato

San Marzano tomatoes are famous for their use in Italian cooking.

They produce elongated plum-shaped fruits.

Why Grow San Marzano?

• Excellent for cooking
• Useful for tomato sauces
• Traditional Italian variety
• Attractive elongated fruits
• Popular with gardeners who enjoy preserving tomatoes

Growing Habit

Commonly grown as a cordon, although named strains can vary.

Best Growing Position

A greenhouse or polytunnel is often preferable in the UK.

Best Uses

Pasta sauces, pizza sauces, soups and cooked tomato dishes.

Things to Consider

San Marzano tomatoes benefit from warmth and a reasonably long growing season.

10. Marmande — Best Ribbed Beefsteak Tomato

Marmande is a traditional beefsteak-type tomato with distinctive ribbed fruits.

It produces larger tomatoes than ordinary cherry or salad varieties.

Why Grow Marmande?

• Attractive ribbed fruits
• Rich tomato flavour
• Useful for slicing
• Interesting traditional variety
• Suitable for gardeners wanting something different

Growing Habit

Marmande is often described as semi-determinate, although growth habit varies between strains.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse or warm, sheltered outdoor conditions.

Best Uses

Slicing, sandwiches and salads.

Things to Consider

Larger fruits may require additional time to develop and ripen.

11. Brandywine — Best Heritage Beefsteak Tomato

Brandywine is a well-known heritage beefsteak tomato.

It is valued for its large fruits and rich flavour.

Why Grow Brandywine?

• Large fruits
• Distinctive heritage variety
• Rich flavour
• Excellent for slicing
• Interesting addition to a greenhouse collection

Growing Habit

Usually indeterminate, meaning it grows as a cordon.

Best Growing Position

Greenhouse or polytunnel.

Best Uses

Large slices for sandwiches, salads and fresh eating.

Things to Consider

Brandywine can be slower to mature than smaller-fruited varieties.

It may be less suitable for gardeners with a short or cool growing season.

12. Crimson Crush F1 — Best for Blight Resistance Outdoors

Crimson Crush F1 is a modern tomato variety bred with strong resistance to late blight.

Late blight is one of the biggest challenges for outdoor tomato growers in the UK.

Why Grow Crimson Crush?

• Strong late-blight resistance
• Suitable for outdoor cultivation
• Good-sized red fruits
• Useful for wetter regions
• Can also be grown under protection

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Outdoors in a sunny position or in a greenhouse.

Best Uses

Salads, sandwiches and general cooking.

Things to Consider

Blight resistance is not the same as complete immunity.

Plants can still be affected under sufficiently severe disease pressure.

13. Mountain Magic F1 — Best Blight-Resistant Cocktail Tomato

Mountain Magic F1 is another variety bred with resistance to late blight.

It produces smaller, cocktail-sized tomatoes.

Why Grow Mountain Magic?

• Strong late-blight resistance
• Useful for outdoor growing
• Attractive red fruits
• Good flavour
• Suitable for regular harvesting

Growing Habit

Cordon.

Best Growing Position

Outdoor vegetable beds or protected growing environments.

Best Uses

Salads, snacking and general kitchen use.

Things to Consider

Although resistance is valuable, healthy growing practices remain important.

14. Tumbling Tom — Best Tomato for Hanging Baskets

Tumbling Tom is a compact trailing tomato variety.

It is particularly popular for hanging baskets and patio containers.

Red and yellow forms are available.

Why Grow Tumbling Tom?

• Trailing growth habit
• Suitable for hanging baskets
• Compact plants
• Cherry-sized fruits
• Excellent for small spaces

Growing Habit

Trailing bush.

Best Growing Position

Sunny patio, hanging basket or sheltered container position.

Best Uses

Fresh eating and salads.

Things to Consider

Hanging baskets can dry out very quickly during warm weather.

Regular watering is essential.

15. Tiny Tim — Best Tomato for Small Pots

Tiny Tim is a compact bush tomato.

It produces small red cherry tomatoes on relatively short plants.

Why Grow Tiny Tim?

• Compact growing habit
• Suitable for small containers
• Useful for patios
• Doesn’t require tall supports
• Good choice for beginners

Growing Habit

Dwarf determinate bush.

Best Growing Position

Sunny patio, greenhouse shelf or other bright growing area.

Best Uses

Fresh snacking and salads.

Things to Consider

Small plants generally produce a smaller total harvest than large, vigorous cordon varieties.

What Is the Difference Between Bush and Cordon Tomatoes?

Understanding the difference between bush and cordon tomatoes is one of the most important things to consider when choosing varieties.

Cordon Tomatoes

Cordon tomatoes are indeterminate plants.

They continue growing upwards during the growing season.

Examples include:

• Sungold F1
• Gardener’s Delight
• Sweet Million F1
• Ailsa Craig
• Shirley F1
• Crimson Crush F1

How to Grow Cordon Tomatoes

Cordon tomatoes normally require:

• Tall supports
• Regular tying in
• Removal of side shoots
• Consistent watering
• Regular feeding during fruiting

Bush Tomatoes

Bush tomatoes are determinate or compact plants.

They generally have a more restricted growth habit.

Examples include:

• Roma VF
• Tiny Tim
• Tumbling Tom

How to Grow Bush Tomatoes

Bush tomatoes generally need less pruning.

Avoid removing all their side shoots because this can reduce fruit production.

Some larger bush varieties may still require support.

Best Tomato Varieties for Greenhouses in the UK

Greenhouses provide protection from cold winds and rain.

They can also extend the growing season.

My Greenhouse Shortlist

Variety	Why choose it?
Sungold F1	Sweet cherry tomatoes
Shirley F1	Reliable medium-sized salad fruits
Sweet Million F1	Productive cherry tomato
Ailsa Craig	Traditional salad tomato
San Marzano	Excellent for sauces
Brandywine	Large heritage beefsteak fruits

Greenhouse Growing Advice

Provide ventilation during hot weather.

Water consistently.

Avoid overcrowding plants.

Monitor for whitefly, aphids and red spider mites.

Best Tomato Varieties for Growing Outdoors

Outdoor tomatoes need to cope with more variable temperatures, rainfall and disease pressure.

Recommended Outdoor Choices

• Crimson Crush F1
• Mountain Magic F1
• Gardener’s Delight
• Sungold F1
• Tumbling Tom

Why Choose Blight-Resistant Varieties?

Late blight can spread rapidly during suitable weather.

Growing resistant varieties can reduce the risk of losing your entire crop.

However, even resistant plants need suitable care.

Best Tomato Varieties for Northern England

Gardeners in northern England often have a shorter, cooler growing season than those in southern areas.

This can make variety selection particularly important.

What Should You Look For?

Choose varieties with:

• Relatively early maturity
• Reliable fruit setting
• Suitable growth habits
• Good performance under protection
• Strong late-blight resistance for outdoor crops

Useful Choices

Sungold F1, Gardener’s Delight, Crimson Crush F1 and Mountain Magic F1 are worth considering.

For greenhouse growing, Shirley F1 is another popular option.

Growing Advice for Northern Gardens

Start plants indoors in spring.

Avoid planting outside before frost risk has passed.

Choose sheltered locations.

Consider growing larger-fruited varieties under protection.

Best Tomato Varieties for Pots and Containers

Container growing is excellent for patios and smaller gardens.

However, not every tomato variety is equally suitable.

Compact Varieties

Tiny Tim is particularly suitable for small pots.

Trailing Varieties

Tumbling Tom is ideal for hanging baskets.

Larger Containers

Vigorous cordon varieties can be grown in large containers with suitable supports.

Container Growing Tips

Use adequate drainage.

Provide suitable compost.

Water regularly.

Feed during flowering and fruiting.

Best Cherry Tomato Varieties for the UK

Cherry tomatoes are particularly popular because they often ripen earlier than large beefsteak varieties.

Sungold F1

Excellent sweetness and attractive orange fruits.

Gardener’s Delight

Traditional red cherry tomato.

Sweet Million F1

Productive clusters of small red fruits.

Tumbling Tom

Compact trailing variety for containers.

Tiny Tim

Dwarf variety for small spaces.

Best Beefsteak Tomato Varieties for the UK

Beefsteak tomatoes produce large fruits.

They are particularly useful for slicing.

Marmande

Distinctive ribbed fruits.

Brandywine

Large heritage tomatoes with rich flavour.

Growing Beefsteak Tomatoes Successfully

Provide strong supports.

Maintain consistent moisture.

Allow enough time for fruit development.

Grow under protection where summer temperatures are unreliable.

Best Plum Tomato Varieties for Cooking

Plum tomatoes are popular for sauces, soups and preserving.

Roma VF

Bush variety producing elongated fruits.

San Marzano

Traditional Italian plum tomato.

Why Choose Plum Tomatoes?

Their flesh and fruit structure can make them particularly useful for cooking.

However, flavour and water content vary between varieties.

Best Blight-Resistant Tomato Varieties

Late blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans.

It can affect tomato foliage, stems and fruits.

Crimson Crush F1

A useful choice for outdoor growers seeking strong resistance.

Mountain Magic F1

Another option with strong late-blight resistance.

Does Blight Resistance Guarantee Success?

No.

Resistance reduces susceptibility but doesn’t provide complete protection in every situation.

Other diseases, pests and environmental problems can still affect plants.

When to Sow Tomato Seeds in the UK

Most tomatoes are started indoors during late winter or spring.

February

Suitable for gardeners with heated growing facilities and adequate light.

March

An excellent sowing month for many greenhouse tomatoes.

April

A good month for tomatoes intended for outdoor growing.

Can You Sow Tomatoes in May?

Yes, but late sowing may shorten the harvest season, particularly in cooler areas.

When to Plant Tomatoes Outside in the UK

Tomatoes are tender plants and can be damaged by frost.

Outdoor planting is usually carried out during late May or June, once frost risk has passed.

Hardening Off

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting.

Choosing a Position

Select a sunny, sheltered location.

Planting in Northern England

June may be safer than May in colder or exposed gardens.

How Many Tomato Plants Should You Grow?

The number depends on your available space and how many tomatoes you eat.

Small Household

Two or three productive plants may provide a useful supply of fresh tomatoes.

Family Garden

Four to six plants can provide greater variety and more regular harvesting.

Allotment Growing

A larger collection can include cherry, salad, plum and beefsteak varieties.

Avoid Growing Too Many

Tomato plants require regular attention.

Overcrowding can increase problems with airflow, watering and disease.

How to Choose the Best Tomatoes for Your Garden

Before buying seeds, consider these questions.

Do You Have a Greenhouse?

If so, you have more options for warmth-loving varieties.

Are You Growing Outdoors?

Consider relatively early varieties and late-blight resistance.

Do You Have Limited Space?

Choose compact bush or trailing varieties.

Do You Want Sweet Tomatoes?

Try Sungold F1 or another cherry variety.

Do You Make Tomato Sauce?

Consider Roma VF or San Marzano.

Do You Enjoy Large Tomatoes?

Try Marmande or Brandywine.

Are You New to Growing Tomatoes?

Begin with a manageable selection of reliable varieties.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Tomato Varieties

Choosing Only Large Beefsteak Tomatoes

Large fruits can take longer to mature.

Ignoring Growing Habit

Cordon and bush tomatoes require different management.

Growing Tender Varieties Outdoors in Exposed Locations

Poor weather can reduce harvests.

Overcrowding Plants

Too many plants can cause competition and poor airflow.

Ignoring Late Blight

Outdoor gardeners should consider disease pressure.

Buying Too Many Varieties

A smaller selection may be easier to manage successfully.

My Suggested Tomato Collection for a UK Garden

If I were choosing a practical collection of tomatoes for a typical British garden, I would include several different types.

One Sweet Cherry Tomato

Sungold F1.

One Traditional Salad Tomato

Ailsa Craig or Gardener’s Delight.

One Blight-Resistant Tomato

Crimson Crush F1.

One Cooking Tomato

Roma VF or San Marzano.

One Compact Container Tomato

Tumbling Tom or Tiny Tim.

This combination provides a useful variety of flavours, fruit sizes and growing habits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Varieties

What Is the Best Tomato Variety to Grow in the UK?

There isn’t one variety that’s best for everyone. Sungold F1, Gardener’s Delight, Shirley F1 and Crimson Crush F1 are useful choices for different growing conditions.

What Are the Sweetest Tomatoes to Grow?

Sungold F1 is particularly well known for its sweet flavour.

What Are the Best Tomatoes for Greenhouses?

Sungold F1, Shirley F1, Ailsa Craig and Sweet Million F1 are popular options.

What Are the Best Tomatoes for Growing Outdoors?

Crimson Crush F1 and Mountain Magic F1 are worth considering because of their late-blight resistance.

What Are the Best Tomatoes for Beginners?

Compact varieties such as Tiny Tim and productive cherry varieties can be good starting points.

What Is the Best Tomato for Hanging Baskets?

Tumbling Tom is a popular trailing variety.

What Is the Best Tomato for Small Pots?

Tiny Tim is a useful compact choice.

What Are the Best Tomatoes for Making Sauce?

Roma VF and San Marzano are popular cooking varieties.

Which Tomatoes Are Blight Resistant?

Crimson Crush F1 and Mountain Magic F1 have strong late-blight resistance.

Are Blight-Resistant Tomatoes Completely Immune?

No. Resistance does not guarantee complete immunity.

Are Cherry Tomatoes Easier to Grow Than Beefsteak Tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes often mature more quickly and can be more forgiving in shorter growing seasons.

What Is the Difference Between Bush and Cordon Tomatoes?

Bush tomatoes have a more compact growth habit, while cordon tomatoes continue growing upwards and normally require pruning and support.

Do You Remove Side Shoots from Bush Tomatoes?

Generally no. Removing side shoots can reduce their harvest.

Do Cordon Tomatoes Need Pruning?

Yes. They are normally grown with regular side-shoot removal.

Can You Grow Tomatoes Outside in Northern England?

Yes, especially in sunny, sheltered positions with suitable varieties.

When Should You Sow Tomato Seeds?

March and April are excellent sowing months for many UK gardeners.

When Can Tomatoes Go Outside?

Usually after frost risk has passed, commonly late May or June.

Can You Grow Beefsteak Tomatoes in Pots?

Yes, provided containers are large enough and plants receive adequate support, water and nutrients.

Are F1 Tomato Seeds Better?

F1 hybrids may offer useful characteristics such as disease resistance or uniformity, but open-pollinated varieties can also provide excellent flavour and performance.

Can You Save Seeds from F1 Tomatoes?

You can collect them, but plants grown from saved F1 seed may not have the same characteristics as the original variety.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Tomato Varieties for the UK

Choosing the best tomato varieties for your garden is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning the growing season.

With so many different tomatoes available, there’s something suitable for almost every growing space.

If you enjoy sweet cherry tomatoes, Sungold F1 is an excellent variety to consider.

For traditional salad tomatoes, Gardener’s Delight and Ailsa Craig remain popular choices.

If you’re growing outdoors and concerned about late blight, Crimson Crush F1 and Mountain Magic F1 are worth investigating.

For gardeners with limited space, compact varieties such as Tiny Tim and Tumbling Tom can provide enjoyable harvests without requiring a large vegetable bed.

The key is to choose varieties that suit your growing conditions, available space and the way you enjoy eating tomatoes.

Rather than growing lots of similar varieties, try selecting a mixture of cherry, salad, cooking and blight-resistant tomatoes.

This can provide a more varied harvest and help you discover which varieties perform best in your own garden.

And remember, every growing season is an opportunity to try something new.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!