The backbone of the summer veggie patch — sprawling or staked, sweet or tart, there's a tomato for every garden. Sow from seed for the widest choice of varieties.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum is a fast-growing edible plant in the Solanaceae family. Yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Tomato
Tomato suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Tomato provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Tomato does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Tomato after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is moderate maintenance.
Using Tomato in the garden
Tomato earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate as Tomato. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Tomato
Plant Sale lists Tomato as seed and seedlings. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Tomato seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
