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

07 Feb 16, Penny (Australia - temperate climate)
Too tall and leafy usually means too much nitrogen (i.e. richness, fertility). See later comments re ash, minerals etc.
13 Nov 13, Alan Booth (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible to grow tomatoes on the south coast of kwa zulu natal in south africa up to the green stage only, as i want bottle green tomato chutney.
27 Apr 15, paulie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Yup you can grow in KZN south coast, but should now grow indoorts or under cover with winter aproachin Good Luck!
13 Nov 13, alby (Australia - temperate climate)
tomatos growing with plenty of flowers problem yellow black leaves killing them.would love some tips?
29 Oct 13, Lorraine (USA - Zone 11a climate)
I live in Miami and my tomato plant (from seed) is about 2-3 feet high now but thin stem, very wiry, all over the place. I have wooden stakes in now, but how long after they reach this height will they have a tomato on it? I planted approx. 10 weeks ago.
20 Mar 17, Bill (USA - Zone 10b climate)
In Miami, you'll want to plant your tomatoes in the cooler months.....the typical summer months that you'd think to plant tomatoes are too hot here in Florida....the night time temp needs to get below 80 degrees otherwise they will flower and then the flowers will fall off and not produce any fruit. So our cooler months, although still warm are the best months for tomatoes as well as some other veggies.....like peppers.
01 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Tomatoes usually take 90 days to harvest. Tip: you need good fertilizer and do not water every day; yes it promotes growth, but once the plant is planted and well watered, then you should water only once a week. Of course this depends on your environment. Watering less will trigger the plant to produce more flowers. Plant 2" deeper than normal Use: 1 cup of gypsum in the hole 1 cup of calcium in the hole Your Tomato plant will be happy.
08 Oct 13, Ferah (Australia - tropical climate)
I just wanted to say what a wonderful site this is. As someone who has just discovered the joy of edible gardening (despite many years of my mother trying to convert me!!), it is providing me with the basic and invaluable knowledge to help get me on the right track. I also really enjoy reading the Q&A posts and am picking up a lot of great tips. Thank you xoxo
02 Oct 13, Peter (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Liz, what would be the best mulch to apply to the soil under tomato plants and vines? I'm growing them in a raised bed for the first time. The soil is very dark, whether wet or dry and I'd like to keep their roots cool until they can supply their own shade. I'm in Hawkes Bay. Thanks.
28 Sep 13, allen lee (Australia - temperate climate)
In regards to those aphids under the leaves may actually be white fly these tend to scatter when disturbed if so I found that sticky traps yellow in colour work very well they are sold in most hardware and nurseries. Hung around plants with infested bugs you will be amazed how well they work and no need for spray.
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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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