Chillies and tomatoes, 06.-14.09.2025

From September 6 to 14, 2025, the Tallinn Botanic Garden will host the exhibition “Chillies and tomatoes,” showcasing over 100 varieties of tomatoes and chillies, most of which are heirloom varieties.

The selection is based on years of variety collection, seed exchange, and practical cultivation work. Most of the varieties have been preserved thanks to hobby growers and a network of seed savers – many of them are very rare and unique.

In addition to Estonian-origin varieties, tomatoes and chillies from other parts of the world will also be featured. All the fruits exhibited have been grown in “Grandma’s Garden” in Valga County, both outdoors and in a greenhouse.
Each variety is accompanied by a short description (origin, background story, shape, taste, growth type, etc.) to give visitors a good overview of the diversity. These descriptions also help visitors choose suitable varieties for their own gardens. Participants of the lecture-discussion sessions will have the opportunity to take part in tastings.

In the lecture-discussion sessions, participants will get answers to key questions about growing tomatoes and chillies:

• Which varieties to grow in your garden

• How to cultivate and care for them

• How to improve your garden soil

• How to avoid common fertilizing and watering mistakes

• What pests and diseases may occur

• How to save seeds for the next season

• What these tomatoes taste like – tasting included

• And what to do with all of it

Lectures by: Tiia Morfin

PROGRAMME:

September 6 at 12:00
Tiia Morfin’s lecture-workshop “Tomatoes in the Home Garden” (duration: up to 2 hours)

September 6 at 14:00
Ave Visnapuu’s Sensory Garden Tour (duration: 1 hour)

September 7 at 12:00
Tiia Morfin’s lecture-workshop “Chillies and Peppers in the Home Garden” (duration: up to 2 hours)

September 7 at 14:00
Ave Visnapuu’s Sensory Garden Tour (duration: 1 hour)

September 13 at 14:00
Tiia Jaanus’s Sensory Garden Tour (duration: 1 hour)

September 14 at 14:00
Tiia Jaanus’s Sensory Garden Tour (duration: 1 hour)

September 14 at 15:00
Exhibition Closing Event: Tiia Morfin’s lecture “Growing Heirloom Varieties in the Home Garden,” followed by tasting of the exhibits, an auction, and heirloom seed exchange and sale.

All events are included in the Botanic Garden admission fee.
Tallinn Botanic Garden is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
The Palm House is open from 11:00 to 19:00.