Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Family: Solanaceae
Tomato grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
Photo Gallery
Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
How to Grow Tomato
Tomato growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-6.8, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Tomato as 5-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 50-90 days.
Plant Overview
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is listed in the Solanaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0001
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Alternate names
- Garden tomato
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous vine; determinate or indeterminate depending on cultivar
- Mature height
- Approximately 3-8 ft depending on cultivar and training
- Mature spread
- Approximately 2-4 ft
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Tomato is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-6.8, and the listed hardiness range is 3-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-6.8
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Temperature range
- Best growth generally around 65-85°F
- Plant spacing
- 18-36 inches depending on cultivar and support method
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 5-10 days and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 50-90 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 5-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-90°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
- Sowing method
- Start indoors or direct sow after frost where the growing season allows
- Start indoors
- Usually 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost
- Transplanting
- Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 50-90 days
- Harvest
- Harvest when fruits reach mature color and are firm but fully developed
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed; cuttings can also root readily
- Pollination
- Self-fertile flowers; vibration from wind or pollinators improves fruit set
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, hornworms, whiteflies, flea beetles and spider mites
- Common diseases
- Early blight, late blight, septoria leaf spot and fusarium wilt
- Uses
- Fresh eating, sauces, cooking, preserving and processing
Related Plants
Find, buy, swap, or sell Tomato
One World One Seed connects this plant profile to community sellers, plant swaps, storefronts, and participating garden retailers.
Supplies for Growing Tomato
These products were matched to this plant from participating retailers in the One World One Seed marketplace network.
Bottomless Plant Pots (Tomato Ring Culture Planters)
Bumper Crop Soluble Tomato Food (9-15-38)
Doff Tomato Pour and Feed Plant Food 2.5l
One World One Seed may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.