Also known as Amish Paste · Beefsteak · Better Boy
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a popular fruiting plant grown for its edible berries, widely used in cuisines worldwide.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage. Aim for soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
Loam, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in daytime temperatures of 21-29°C and nighttime temperatures above 13°C. Frost will kill the plant.
Regular Feeding
75% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer after fruit set, switching to a higher phosphorus and potassium formula for fruiting.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Provide consistent moisture, aiming for about 2. 5 cm of water per week, applied directly to the soil to avoid wetting foliage and prevent fungal diseases.
Water deeply and less frequently once established, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings. Reduce watering as fruits ripen to improve flavor.
Prune determinate (bush) varieties minimally to remove suckers below the first flower cluster.
For indeterminate (vining) types, remove suckers regularly to improve air circulation and direct energy into fruit production. Pinch back the main stem after it reaches the desired height to encourage ripening.
Tomatoes are typically propagated from seeds. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a sterile seed-starting mix and keep moist and warm (around 21-27°C).
Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves and are hardened off, transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Young tomato plants may need repotting into larger containers as they grow, usually once or twice before transplanting outdoors. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot is significantly larger than the current one. Handle the roots gently to avoid damage. Repotting is not typically required for established plants in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
13 known issues from plant disease data
Verticillium wilt on Tomato causes lower leaves to yellow and wilt first, followed by slow decline, stunting, and reduced vigor.
Bacterial canker on Tomato causes leaf edge scorch, stem streaking, and bird's-eye fruit spots that make plants decline badly.
Bacterial speck on Tomato causes tiny dark leaf spots and small black specks on fruit, lowering fruit quality and appearance.
Tomato spotted wilt on Tomato causes bronzed leaves, ring spots, stunting, and distorted fruit that lowers plant quality badly.
Root-knot nematode on Tomato causes swollen root galls, weak growth, yellowing, and wilting that worsens in heat or dry soil.
Anthracnose on Tomato causes small sunken fruit spots that enlarge into dark, rotting lesions, especially on ripening fruit.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum lycopersicum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
