Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum · Solanaceae
📷 Lino Mari · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Tomate : tige, feuilles, fruits verts contiennent solanine. Chiens/chats : vomissements, diarrhée, tremblements. Fruits mûrs généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
It's peak harvest for tomato: pick regularly and at the right stage to boost production and extend the season.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Solanum lycopersicum
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- Up to 2 m depending on variety
- Flowering
- June to August
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender plant (sow in spring)
- Origin
- South America (Peru and Ecuador)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Remove leaves from the base up to 30-40 cm to improve air circulation and reduce fungal diseases: a well-ventilated tomato plant produces more and suffers less. Mulch generously (6-8 cm) to regulate moisture.
The common mistake
Irregular or excessive watering at once causes fruit cracking and blossom-end rot: water must be regular and applied at soil level, avoid wetting the foliage.
The pro's trick
Remove suckers (small lateral shoots) as soon as they appear on indeterminate varieties.
Care
Sunlight
Tomatoes require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to fruit well and develop flavor and sugars. Plant in a sunny, well-ventilated location to minimize fungal diseases. Avoid overly shaded areas where growth will be stunted.
Watering
Water regularly and abundantly during the growing period, ideally in late afternoon at the base of the plant. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excess moisture promotes fruit cracking and foliage diseases. Reduce watering slightly after harvesting the first fruits.
Soil
Prepare rich, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter (compost or well-decomposed manure). Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Add mulch at the surface to retain moisture and regulate root temperature.
Fertilizing and nutrition
Apply balanced fertilizer at planting time, then switch to fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium once flowering begins to encourage fruiting. An application every 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning and staking
Install sturdy stakes or cages at planting time to support the weight of the fruit. Regularly remove suckers (parasitic shoots) located in leaf axils to direct energy toward fruiting. Thin out foliage by removing lower leaves to improve air circulation.
Common diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew, blight, and blossom-end rot (calcium deficiency). Colorado beetles and whiteflies can damage leaves. Emphasize prevention: ensure good air circulation, water at the base without wetting foliage, practice crop rotation, and remove diseased plant debris.
Did you know?
For a long time, tomatoes were considered toxic in Europe during the 16th century because the wealthy used them in gilt vessels that released lead when the acidic fruit made contact—it was the containers, not the fruit, that were poisonous! It wasn't until the 18th century that the poor consumed them without fear and their safety was recognized. Today, it is one of the most widely grown crops in the world.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Sweet pepperCapsicum annuum
- EggplantSolanum melongena
- Cape gooseberryPhysalis peruviana
- Night jessamineCestrum nocturnum
- Potato vineSolanum laxum
- Pichi pichiFabiana imbricata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.