Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
A tender perennial plant grown commonly as an annual, featuring compound leaves with serrated margins and growing stems that can be vining or bush-like.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Moderate and consistent watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, avoiding overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
- Growth
- Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with an upright or sprawling habit, reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet depending on the variety and support.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours daily. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. Use rich, well-draining soil and apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Moderate and consistent watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, avoiding overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Soil
Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH range between 6.0 and 6.8.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 as a tender perennial, cultivated as an annual in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with an upright or sprawling habit, reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet depending on the variety and support.
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through summer, producing small yellow flowers with five distinct petals.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seeds started indoors before the final frost, or through stem cuttings rooted in water or soil.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to fungal diseases such as early blight and powdery mildew, as well as pests like hornworms and aphids. Prevent by ensuring proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoiding excess moisture on leaves.
Similar species
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena), which share similar compound foliage patterns in early growth stages but differ in stem structure and eventual flower formation.