Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Western South America and Central America
📅 Days to Maturity
60-85 days from transplanting depending on variety. Continuous harvest window until the first frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11 (commonly grown as a warm-season annual everywhere)
About This Seed
Seeds are small, roughly flattened oval or kidney-shaped, featuring a fuzzy or hairy surface texture and a light tan to golden brown color. The resulting plant is a vine or bush with lobed, hairy foliage, yellow flowers, and fleshy edible fruits in various sizes and colors.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, tender to frost
Germination
Germinates in 7-14 days at optimal soil temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). High germination rate. Requires warm soil and light is not strictly necessary for germination, though light helps once sprouts emerge.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, spaced 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, amended with plenty of compost.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Water consistently, about 1-2 inches per week, keeping soil evenly moist to prevent blossom end rot. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, marigolds, garlic, and onions. Avoid planting near potatoes, fennel, and brassicas.
Special Characteristics
Pollinator-friendly flowers, produces edible nutritious fruit rich in vitamins A and C, versatile for culinary use.