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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
31 Jan 14, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
how long will tomatoes produce for? (Perth, WA)
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jan 14, karen johnson (Australia - temperate climate)
is it too late to plant tomatoes from seeds ?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Dec 13, Ian hansen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Types tomatoes to grow in summer in sub tropical climate
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Nov 13, Coral (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Our tomatoes have grown tall, but very few flowers . Have you any advice?
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 511 - 520 of 811 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi. Thanks for the info which was informative. I tried last year to grow tomatoes and failed miserably. The bottom of the fruit was black and I have been advised this was overwatering and lack of calcium. They were in 15L pots outside and exposed to a fairly windy area. This year I have a geeenhouse and a bit more knowledge thanks to the likes of you:). I am just deciding what to grow in the greenhouse and in my small vege patch but definately have tomatoes on the list a bit later in the year, although I might try growing some now and keep in the greenhouse. Appreciate your comments and advice thanks. I live in Somerville near Howick. Cheers Derek

- Derek

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.