Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Western South America (Andes region), widely cultivated globally in temperate and tropical regions.
📅 Days to Maturity
60 to 85 days from transplanting to first harvest, depending on the specific cultivar.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11, grown primarily as a warm-season annual everywhere.
About This Seed
The seeds are small (approximately 3mm), flattened, kidney-shaped or tear-shaped, with a fuzzy or hairy surface texture and a distinct honeycomb or reticulated pattern. The resulting plant is typically an herbaceous, branching vine or bush producing succulent, fleshy fruits.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Not frost tolerant.
Germination
Germination takes 7 to 14 days at optimal soil temperatures of 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C). High germination rate (80-90%). Requires warmth and consistent moisture; light is not strictly required for germination until emergence.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep in well-draining, nutrient-rich seed-starting mix. Space seeds 1 inch apart indoors, then transplant seedlings 24 to 36 inches apart. Prefers rich, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Needs consistent, even watering at the base to prevent blossom end rot and fruit splitting. Low drought tolerance.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, marigolds, garlic, and carrots. Avoid planting near potatoes, brassicas, or fennel.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible, highly nutritious fruits rich in lycopene and vitamins A and C. Attracts pollinators to its yellow flowers.