Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in Australia - sub-tropical 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 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

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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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13 Apr 15, Mars (Australia - temperate climate)
can I grow burnley bounty tomato in my area
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10 Apr 15, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
My Roma tomato bush is laden with fruit but don't seem to be turning red as this is my first time growing these how long does it take for them to turn red please.thanks for your time
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12 Apr 15, ALFONZO (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how long is a piece of string ?
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12 Apr 15, Rob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
About 7 weeks from when the fruit first appear, varies depending on soil and climate but that's the average.
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21 Apr 15, Alan c (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi .Roma normally put out a lot of laterals. If they are all left on the vine not much will ripen quickly as the plant makes more trusses. To ripen I pinch most if not all of the new laterals off , the plant put energy into ripening the green tomatoes . A week or so later new laterals appear with more flowers etc. I do this with all indeterminate plants to make them ripen when I want them to .
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08 Apr 15, naymi (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Sydney and currently have a thriving tomato plant still producing tomatoes. With the temperatures dropping, I want to know what to do with the plant. Do I just let it slowly die? Will it actually die in winter temps in Sydney? (not sure if we get actual 'frost') Thanks :)
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Showing 281 - 290 of 595 comments
See comments for all plants

Audrey, you could try piling up tons of mulch around the plants, or covering them with agri-fleece or other frost protection sheeting that nurseries supply. Ordinary clear plastic sheeting can work too, but I've found it needs support, while agri-fleece is light and can be placed directly onto the plants and anchored round the edges.

- Chris

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