Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable/Fruit
🌍 Origin Region
Native to Western South America; globally cultivated in temperate and tropical regions.
📅 Days to Maturity
60-85 days from transplant; harvest window varies by variety; indeterminate types produce until first frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-11 (grown as an annual); perennial in tropical zones 10-11.
About This Seed
The seeds are small, flattened, ovoid-to-teardrop shaped, and light brown with a fuzzy, pubescent (hairy) texture when dried. The resulting plant is a branched herb with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers, often reaching 3-10 feet depending on support.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Warm season; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; very frost sensitive.
Germination
Takes 6-12 days; optimal soil temperature 70-85°F (21-29°C); high germination rate (80%+); no light required for germination; keep consistently moist.
Planting Instructions
Planting depth 1/4 inch; space plants 18-24 inches apart; prefers well-draining loamy soil with pH 6.0-6.8; high organic matter required.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6-8+ hours daily); regular deep watering at the base to prevent blight; drought sensitive during fruiting.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Basil, Marigold, Carrots, Garlic, Chives; Avoid: Fennel, Walnuts, Corn, Potatoes (due to shared blight risks).
Special Characteristics
High in Lycopene; attracts pollinators but is mostly self-pollinating; indeterminate varieties require staking or caging.