Family: Solanaceae
Binomial name: Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle: Annual
Tomato varieties can be classified by the size and shape of their fruit or by the growth habit of the plants. In this guide, tomato plants are classified as determinate (non-climbing) or indeterminate (climbing). Determinate tomato plants grow as bushes; staking them is optional, and plants are usually left unpruned. Indeterminate tomato plants grow as vines and often need pruning and staking to control their growth.
Tomato is a warm season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow tomato seeds in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Tomato plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Tomato plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Tomato plants are very susceptible to pests and diseases. Practice crop rotation to reduce the chance of pests and diseases becoming pervasive in your garden. Do not plant tomatoes in the same position two years in a row. Read more about crop rotation here.
Tomato plants can be grown in containers. If possible choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 40 litres is recommended for tomatoes. During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.
Tomato seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Tomato seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Tomato is a tender crop that’s sensitive to frost. Do not transplant seedlings or sow seeds outside until all danger of frost has passed.
Optional: In cool climates tomato seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm position with plenty of natural light.
Tomato plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial:
Indeterminate only - Plants need to be staked for support. Use a sturdy stake or grow plants up a trellis or tripod. As plants grow, tie stems gently to the support using twine or plant ties. Make sure you have the support in place when you sow seed or transplant seedlings to avoid disturbing the plant’s roots later.
Optional: Prune plants to two main stems to control growth, increase airflow and encourage the plant to put it’s energy into producing fruit. Read more about pruning tomatoes here.
Determinate only - Plants do not need to be staked, though some gardeners stake plants to support the weight of the crop.
Tomatoes should be ready to harvest in approximately 60 to 100 days.
Fruit is ready when it starts to change colour. Harvest fruit by cutting with snips/secateurs or by twisting to separate from the stem. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit. If stored at room temperature, fruit will continue to ripen after harvest. For short term storage, harvested fruit can be kept at room temperature. To extend the storage life, fruit can be kept in the fridge. For long term storage fruit can be frozen, canned or dried.
Like all plants, tomato is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing tomato plants: