Organic 'Bundaberg Rumball' tomato
Organic 'Bundaberg Rumball' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a compact, early, sweet, and wonderfully productive chocolate dwarf variety.
The 'Bundaberg Rumball' tomato is a dwarf heirloom variety resulting from the selective breeding efforts of the Dwarf Tomato Project . Determinate, vigorous yet naturally compact, it forms a small plant 60 to 70 cm tall with regular, rough foliage, perfectly suited to pots, patios, balconies, and small gardens . In just 60 days , it offers an abundant harvest of 2-3 oz , round, smooth, and beautifully chocolate-colored fruit.
Its flavor is sweet, balanced, and warming—a rich profile characteristic of brown tomatoes. Despite its small size, it produces abundantly and reliably, making it a favorite for those who want a flavorful dark tomato… without needing a lot of space or heavy staking.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Determinate, dwarf, compact
Plant height : 60 to 70 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very early (60 days), chocolate-colored fruit, ideal for pots, balanced sweet flavor
Fruit color : Chocolate brown
Fruit shape : Round, small to medium
Fruit size/weight : 2–3 oz
Type of fruit : Dwarf tomato / small dark slicer
Texture/flesh : Juicy, soft, well-balanced
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Sow 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix, at 23–29 °C , for rapid germination (5 to 10 days). Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to encourage a compact habit.
Transplant once the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18") apart, or grow them in pots (min. 5–7 L). Provide full sun and regular watering (level 3) . Light staking is sufficient to stabilize the plant if the clusters become heavy.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit develops a uniform chocolate color and becomes slightly soft. To get a head start, pick fruit that has already begun to brown , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store between 12–21°C , at 95% relative humidity , to preserve its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for pots , producing abundantly in a small space
• Delicious in salads , with its chocolatey sweetness
• Excellent when cooked gently , revealing its rich notes
• Ideal for cold dishes or as a snack right in the garden
The 'Bundaberg Rumball' tomato is a little chocolate bombshell: compact, early-maturing, flavorful, and surprisingly prolific. A perfect variety for urban gardeners and lovers of dark dwarf tomatoes.
