Also known as Amish Paste · Beefsteak · Better Boy
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely cultivated fruit, used culinarily as a vegetable. It's a staple in gardens and kitchens worldwide.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruiting.
Consistent
75% intensity
Maintain even soil moisture; avoid waterlogging or drying out. Water at the base.
Loam, Sandy, Clay
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Ideal daytime temperatures are between 21-29°C. Avoid frost; nighttime temperatures should not drop below 13°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular
75% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer, then one with higher phosphorus and potassium during 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 |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water tomatoes deeply and consistently, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases.
Water at the base of the plant, especially in the morning, to allow foliage to dry before evening. Reduce watering slightly as fruits ripen.
Prune tomatoes to improve air circulation and fruit production. Remove suckers (small shoots that grow in the axil between the main stem and a branch) to direct energy into fruit development.
Indeterminate varieties benefit most from pruning. Remove lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease.
Tomatoes are typically propagated by seed. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep seeds consistently moist and warm (around 21-27°C).
Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Repotting young tomato plants is crucial as they grow. When seedlings outgrow their initial small pots, transplant them into larger containers (e. g. , 10-15 cm diameter) to allow for root development.
Burying the stem deeper during repotting encourages more root growth along the buried stem.
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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
Tomato mosaic on Tomato causes mottled light and dark leaves, curling, and stunted growth that reduces fruit quality and yield.
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
