Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable / Fruit
🌍 Origin Region
Western South America, widely cultivated globally
📅 Days to Maturity
60 to 85 days from transplanting to first harvest depending on the cultivar. Continuous harvest until the first fall frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Typically grown as an annual across USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11. Can act as a short-lived perennial in frost-free tropical climates (Zones 10-12).
About This Seed
Seeds are small, flattened, kidney-shaped or tear-drop shaped with a fuzzy or hairy surface texture and a distinct tan to reddish-brown coloration. The resulting plant is a tender herbaceous vine or bush producing fleshy multi-seeded fruits.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, tender and sensitive to frost
Germination
Germination takes 7-14 days at optimal soil temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C). High germination rate (80-90%). Requires warmth and moisture; light is not strictly required for germination until emergence.
Planting Instructions
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced 24-36 inches apart in rows. Prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil amended with organic matter with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily). Watering should be consistent, keeping soil evenly moist to prevent blossom end rot. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, marigolds, carrots, and onions. Avoid planting near potatoes, fennel, brassicas, and corn.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for edible fruit rich in vitamins A and C. Attracts pollinators, sensitive to extreme heat and frost, numerous disease-resistant cultivars available.