Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T T T            
      P P              

(Best months for growing Tomato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Asparagus, Chervil,Carrot, Celery, Chives, Parsley, Marigold, Basil
  • Avoid growing close to: Rosemary, Potatoes, Fennel, Cucumber

Your comments and tips

19 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Amish paste is another fleshy type of tomato.
18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seems to be a few of these in the USA. Probably in aussie you would look for tomatoes for paste - like Roma, Super Roma and San Marzano. Best if you GOOGLED and have a look around for ones with more flesh than seeds.
26 Aug 17, John C (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks folks. Importing seeds directly seems problematic because of bio-security issues. Tried Google & other engines and can find none of the USA varieties in Oz. + way too much contradictory info to be really useful (e.g. almost seedless to lots of seeds for the same type). Thought I'd try this forum. Thanks for the tips on the paste varieties. That provided a different focus for my searches.
03 Sep 17, Yen (Australia - temperate climate)
The Diggers Club sell seeds for Amish Paste tomatoes. Perhaps one of their heirloom varieties might be what you're looking for.
12 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes for tomatoes. Plant seeds now and keep in a warm place. After the frosts have finished plant out in the garden.
11 Aug 17, Joanne (Australia - arid climate)
Hi, can i sow seeds in my greenhouse or is it still to cold, or can i start tomatoes that are allready baby stage. Jo
17 Jul 17, brian jones (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should i remove yellow flowers from immature plants just planted?
20 Jul 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What variety of tomato have you planted. No, they will flower as they grow. If it is a bushy type of tomato most of the fruit will ripen at the same time. If it is an indeterminate type of tomato it will keep growing - as it grows it will keep flowering and when you come to harvest them, the harvest will be spread over weeks months. If it is not a bushy type (determinate) it can grow to several meters high.
03 Jul 17, Len (Australia - temperate climate)
How early can I grow tomato seed under a cold frame in Victoria? We don't get frosts, but I was hoping to start sow seeds late July then repot under cover a couple of times before planting out in the garden in October. I know traditionally you wouldn't plant out tomatoes until Melbourne Cup day. I've yet to grow any tomatoes in my garden as this is a new project. Any feedback would be beneficial
07 Jul 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide says start seedlings in Aug Sept. Planting seeds and growing them for 1-2 mths isn't as easy as it sounds, especially if growing undercover. They can become spindly if trying to find light. I'd suggest you wait until August and after they have developed a few leaves give them some sunlight each day to toughen them up.
Showing 291 - 300 of 799 comments

Tony, check that your potting mix is not too soggy. Although tomatoes like plenty of water, they also need good drainage. Have you got your bag slightly raised off the ground so that excess water can drain away?

- Liz

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