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

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21 Jun 15, Brian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Don't know about the wrong time. I am just planting mine now, for Winter, and every year have an abundant crop. Summer, too many bugs. Mine last year were weli over 10ft high. Had to use a ladder to get the top ones Another tip, do NOT water the whole plant just the base. They don't like it. If no bees, use a feather to cross pollinate yourself. We had to do that on Manus Island as no bees there. Worked a treat.
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07 Jun 15, kierian (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm trying to grow oxheart tomatoes and its been 12 weeks since they have been planted. I've steaked them and they are growing lushly and beautifully, flowering a lot too. I've even been keeping lower branches and suckers snipped but alas no fruit yet. I feed them every week with power grow for vegie gardens also. What else can i do to get these plants to bear fruit?
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22 Jun 15, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Too cool for tomatoes, they need about 25 degrees or more consistent day temps to set fruit. Bees not required; they will grow in closed green houses!
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09 Jun 15, dieter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Kierian, it could be that there are not enough bees around to pollinate them, but it could also be just the time of the year, or the plants are still too young. Do they have flowers on them?
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12 Jun 15, kierian (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi thanks so much for your help. Yeah they have flowers and are growing strong. Just not producing anything. I keep them well fed and watered also. Sorry just an amateur gardener. Thanks for any help
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16 Jun 15, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Wrong time of year for tomatoes
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27 Apr 15, Trish - (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have never grown Roma acid tomatoes before. At first I watched the plants growing in leaps and bounds day by day - then they seemed to come to a standstill. I am in Cairns. But this morning went out to look them over and noticed that one plant has 3 tomatoes on it but the plant itself does not look happy. Trish
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20 Apr 15, Jane (Australia - temperate climate)
We had a great crop of mixed tomatoes this year but could you please tell me why the skins on the tomatoes are tough. Many thanks
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08 May 15, Tom (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
that depends on the variety you are growing and where you live. In Canberra the nights are COLD and I notice some of them have very tough skin. Now I grow one with no name, Grossie Lissie, s. Marzano and Jersey Devil, they all good.
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21 Apr 15, TOM TOM TOMATO (Australia - temperate climate)
they would be hybrids which are bred for a tough skin for transport so they don't bruise.
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I just moved into a new house and have inherited a bit of a garden and some plants. I'm new to gardening but would really like to start growing my own fruit and veg. I have 3 different types of tomatoes - what look like plum, small heirloom ones?? and a more rounder, larger variety (no labels on any). They were a bot worse for wear having sprawled on the ground for a few weeks.... I have tried to save them... they have been staked/supported and dead, browning or "excess" leaves taken off. They do have some fruits on them and more flowers but after 2 weeks they don't seem getting any bigger/riper though leaves still seem to be growing. I'm in Perth and it's starting to cool here. Have I missed the season? Can I get the rest of the tomatos to grow/ripen? And how long can I expect the plants to fruit? Do I need to keep fertilising them, and how often? Also is what do I do with the plant when it does get too cold/it is done fruiting? leave it? Pull it out and start again next year? Cut it back? I know there are a lot of questions but I haven't done this before. ;-) Thanks

- Dani

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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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