tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum 'Big Beef'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
full sun
Fruits:
green,red,yellow,purple,orange Fruits Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Tomatoes require a moderate amount of water to grow their best. It's best to water them deeply and infrequently, giving a good soaking once or twice per week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to encourage the development of deep roots and reduce the risk for fungal diseases. During the peak of the summer season, when the plant is most actively growing and producing fruit, it may require more frequent watering. If the tomato leaves are drooping, this usually indicates that it's time to water.
sunlight
Tomato plants need 6-8 hours of full, direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruiting. If possible, it's best to place tomatoes where they'll receive full sunlight throughout the entire day. However, if direct sun is not possible and/or the weather is forecasted to be especially hot, you can provide some shade by setting up a shade cloth over the plants. Shading should be done early in the day, so that the tomato plants still get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
pruning
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum 'Big Beef') should be pruned regularly. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage, and if the plant gets too tall or top-heavy, cut back the top 1/3 of the stem. Pruning should be done as soon as new growth begins in the spring and then regularly throughout the growing season to keep the tomato plant well shaped and to promote healthy, productive growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make your cuts.
FAQ
Do Tomato plants self-pollinate?
Tomato plants can self-pollinate, meaning the plant is capable of fertilizing itself. Self-pollination can occur through a process called cleistogamy, wherein all the parts needed for pollen grain transfer and fertilization of the ovules are included in one flower. However, cross-pollination can also occur with insects and wind acting as pollinators transferring pollen from one flower to another. Cross-pollination of tomato plants can lead to a more vigorous growth and more fruit.
Do heirloom tomatoes grow better in the garden?
Yes, heirloom tomatoes can be grown very easily in a home garden as they are well adapted to growing in normal garden soil. They do not require much in the way of added nutrients or special treatment, and their good flavor makes them a favorite with home gardeners. Heirloom tomatoes typically produce larger and juicier fruits, and they also tend to have more interesting shapes and colors, which adds to their appeal for the home gardener. Although heirloom tomatoes may not produce as much fruit as newer hybrid varieties, they are still a great choice for home gardeners who appreciate their flavor and unique beauty.
Should I use organic soil for Tomato plants?
Yes, you should use organic soil for tomato plants. Organic soil helps to create a healthier soil system that is more conducive to growing tomatoes. It contains compost and other natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients for tomato growth and improve soil structure. Organic soil is free of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, which can damage the environment and create health issues for you and your family. Additionally, organic soil helps retain moisture, which gives tomatoes a higher yield. Ultimately, the benefits of organic soil far outweigh the costs, making it a great choice for tomatoes.
Do Tomatoes grow well in containers?
Yes, tomatoes can be grown very successfully in containers. It is important to choose a container that is large enough to provide adequate space for the root system, and it should be at least 12 inches deep. It is also important to select a variety of tomato that can tolerate the limited soil space of a container such as determinate or dwarf varieties. The soil should be well drained and fertile, and the soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. Tomatoes should be given ample sunlight to perform well in a container. If cared for properly, tomatoes can be a great addition to any container gardening plan.
Are there dwarf Tomato plant varieties?
Yes, there are dwarf tomato plant varieties. These plants are typically smaller than standard tomato plants, typically growing to no more than two or three feet tall. Dwarf tomatoes are well suited to container gardening, and many varieties are available in both determinate and indeterminate forms, so they can be grown in small spaces or indoors. These varieties can have sweet, flavorful fruit just like their larger cousins, though the smaller fruit size does mean there's less of it.
Should I pinch off Tomato plant suckers?
Yes, you should pinch off tomato plant suckers. Pinching off tomato suckers promotes a plant’s ability to focus its energy on producing more fruit rather than more foliage. Pruning back both the main stem and suckers early in the season can result in larger, healthier plants that produce an earlier, larger harvest of fruit. Pinch off suckers when they are about 2-4” long. Use your thumb and forefinger to snap off the suckers - no gardening shears or knives are needed for removing suckers. Proper pruning of suckers also improves air circulation around the plant, which improves disease prevention.
Should I remove yellowing Tomato leaves?
Yes, you should remove yellowing tomato leaves. Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of stress from one or more environmental factors, such as too much or too little water, an imbalance of nutrients, or too much sun exposure. Removing these leaves can help reduce the stress on the plant and help prevent it from spreading to the healthier leaves, thus providing a better opportunity for successful growth and healthier yields.
Do Tomatoes thrive in raised beds?
Yes, tomatoes thrive in raised beds! Raised beds offer a number of benefits when it comes to growing tomatoes, such as improved soil drainage and aeration, the ability to control soil pH levels, deeper roots, and improved pest and disease control. The soil in the beds can also be enriched with organic matter for the most fertile, nutrient-rich environment possible. Raised beds also allow for better control of sun exposure, meaning you can choose to position the bed in a spot that gets just the right amount of sunlight to ensure optimal growth for your tomatoes. With the right conditions, tomatoes grown in raised beds can produce delicious flavorful fruit all season long.
