The harvesting of tomatoes typically begins in July and continues through October.
tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum
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,black Fruits Ready In Summer
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Tomatoes prefer an evenly moist soil but not overly wet or soggy, as this can promote the development of disease. Generally, it is best to water tomatoes deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type. During hot, dry periods it may be necessary to water more frequently, while in cooler short seasons with higher rainfall, less watering may be necessary. When watering, always allow the water to reach the roots, by watering at the base of the plant and avoiding wetting the foliage. Aim to give each plant around 10-14 inches of water a week, either from rainfall or watering.
sunlight
Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) require full sunlight in order to thrive. An ideal tomato-growing environment receives 8–10 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, indirect sunlight is beneficial for promoting overall tomato growth, especially when combined with direct sunlight. When tomato plants lack adequate sunlight, they will often become spindly, leading to undersized fruits and large gaps between leaves and stems. To maximize sunlight during the limited hours of daylight, choose a sunny spot in your garden and orient your tomato plants to face southward. Additionally, keeping the tomato plants free from any shading structure like trees or garden screens will help to ensure they receive ample sunlight.
pruning
Pruning tomatoes should be done routinely to help maintain an even, productive harvest. When pruning tomatoes, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches or stems. Additionally, any branching off the main stem or shoots growing from the base of the plant can be removed. Pruning branches that are growing in an awkward direction or rubbing against each other should also be removed. The amount of pruning for tomatoes can vary depending on the size and type of the plant, but most tomato plants should be pruned as soon as they reach 18 inches in height and have at least 4 sets of leaves. Pruning should continue throughout the growing season at least once every 2 weeks until the plant is fully established and has reached the desired shape. Pruning too late in the season can result in fewer tomatoes or smaller tomatoes.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Tomatoes typically start flowering in April or May.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting of tomatoes typically begins in July and continues through October.
Hardiness Map
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.
