Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

August: Frost tender. Start undercover

  • 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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm 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

15 Jan 14, derek (Australia - temperate climate)
We have planted 5 Royal Flush Tomatoes bushes and they are thriving a producing an abundant crop. However, internal (all bushes are planted on the outer edges of the garden is a circle) all leaves and branches are dying, being eaten and there a black egg like things on a lot of the tomatoes and leaves. Some tomatoes in the inner circle are also being eaten? What can I use to spray? thank you
14 Jan 14, karen johnson (Australia - temperate climate)
is it too late to plant tomatoes from seeds ?
29 Dec 13, Melanie (Australia - arid climate)
Hi I planted Zucchini, Cucumber and Tomatoes in September, and they don't seem to be getting any higher than 40cm...they are fruiting, but I find it unusual that they are not higher now...Should I rip these out, and start again.
28 Dec 13, Julie (Australia - temperate climate)
Sam, We are borderline cool to temperate. We find that Roma will be later than cherry tomato type or beefsteak type. Try some Powerfeed Red for vegetables and also some potash to boost growth and flowering.
21 Dec 13, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
I read somewhere, but I can't locate the source, that over fertilising produces lush foliage but inhibits flowering. Have you been smashing the fertiliser? That includes Seasol and Powerfeed too. Do a little research on nutrient needs for tomatoes. I do know that as they begin to fruit they benefit from a potash rich dressing.
13 Dec 13, Ian hansen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Types tomatoes to grow in summer in sub tropical climate
13 Dec 13, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm growing roma tomatoes. They are a determinate variety. I kept them in pots for a bit too long before transplanting them. They were still relatively small when they went into the garden. Shortly after transplanting the plants flowered. Now I have one or two small fruit setting on each plant. I will be very disappointed if I only get 2 fruit per plant, so I am thinking of cutting these fruit off, and hoping the plants grow bigger before flowering again. Hopefully next time round I get more fruit. Would this work?
13 Nov 13, Coral (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Our tomatoes have grown tall, but very few flowers . Have you any advice?
19 Dec 13, Roachelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Im having the same problem... i have very healthy looking plants .. lots of leaves etc... but hardly any flowers... Ive only gotten 1 fruit off so far. what have i done wrong?
02 Jan 14, Sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
The tomatoes grow little stems in the corners if other stems, they take much of the nutrients to grow and slow the fruit. If they look like they're not going to fruit, just snap them off. My tomato plants popped up out of nowhere in my dad's yard (presumably a birds dinner one night) so we moved them to my house. When he told me about these little stems I wasn't sure, but I have 3 plants, 2 of which I removed these from and they are fruiting much more efficiently than the one I left alone.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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