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 the variety, continuous harvest window until the first frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11 grown as an annual, or perennial in frost-free tropical climates.
About This Seed
The seeds are small, flattened, kidney-shaped to oval, grayish-beige to pale tan in color, with a fuzzy or textured surface due to tiny hairs. The resulting plant is a vigorous, branching vine with deeply lobed, aromatic leaves, small yellow flowers, and fleshy, multi-seeded fruits.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, tender annual
Germination
Germinates in 7-14 days at an optimal soil temperature of 70-85°F, high germination rate, light is not strictly required for germination but warmth is essential, no pre-treatment needed.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, space seedlings 24-36 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart, prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8, and amend heavily with compost.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily), consistent moisture of about 1 inch of water per week, moderate drought tolerance once established, dislikes overhead watering.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, marigolds, garlic, onions, and carrots; avoid planting near potatoes, fennel, brassicas, and corn.
Special Characteristics
Pollinator-friendly flowers, high vitamin C content, excellent heat tolerance once established, indeterminate varieties produce fruit continuously until frost.