Tomato Seed
Solanum lycopersicum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Western South America (Andes region), cultivated globally
📅 Days to Maturity
60 to 85 days from transplanting, depending on the specific variety. Continuous harvest window until the first autumn frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11 grown as an annual; strictly a tender perennial in frost-free zones (Zones 10-12).
About This Seed
Seeds are small, flat, kidney-shaped or tear-shaped, light tan to grayish-brown, with a fuzzy or hairy surface texture due to fine hairs. The resulting plant is a tender perennial grown as an annual, with compound leaves, yellow flowers, and fleshy edible fruits in various sizes and colors depending on the variety.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Warm-season crop, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, intolerant to frost
Germination
Germinates in 7-14 days at optimal soil temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C). High germination rate under proper moisture and warmth. No special pre-treatment or scarification required.
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 generously with compost.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily of direct sunlight). Water consistently, about 1-2 inches per week, keeping the soil evenly moist to prevent blossom end rot; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, marigolds, garlic, onions, and carrots. Avoid planting near fennel, brassicas, or potatoes.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible, vitamin-rich fruits, highly attractive to pollinators, generally responds well to pruning and staking, varied disease resistances depending on the specific cultivar.