Tomato Plants

Uses:

In-Ground & Raised Beds
Containers, Hanging Baskets, & Grow Bags
Edible Garden

Features:

Abundant Harvest
Tasty Summer Fruit
High Value
Adaptable & Easy

Sunlight:

Full Sun
6+ Hours of Direct Sun

Tomato plants are a popular crop to grow with an endless number of varieties available. Select from beefsteak, cherry, mini, Marzano, Big Boy, and more, each with their own flavor, size, shape, and color! Tomato fruits are rich in vitamin C and lycopene and can be stewed, canned, frozen, and eaten fresh. No grocery store tomato can beat the flavor of a tomato fresh from the garden. For containers and small spaces, consider the Kitchen Minis and Tempting Tomatoes lines, which produce loads of delicious tomatoes on a compact plant.

About Tomato Plants

Genus

Solanum

Species

Lycopersicum+

Family

Solanaceae

Common Names:

Tomatoes

Native To:

Peru

Plant Type:

Edible Plants

Foliage Type:

Herbaceous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

2 - 10 (Annual)

Flower Color:

Gold/Yellow

Flower Bloom Time:

Fall, Summer, Winter

Growth Habit:

Ascending, Erect, Multi-stemmed, Spreading

Attracts:

Bees, Pollinators

Tolerates:

Heat, Humidity

Resists:

New varieties resist pests and diseases

Where To Plant Tomatoes In The Garden

Tomato plants grow quickly and produce plenty of tasty fruit, often surpassing store-bought options. The plants are categorized as determinate (bushy, single harvest) or indeterminate (vining, continuous harvest), with the latter requiring structural support. Many disease-resistant cultivars are available and highly adaptable for home gardens. The high fruit yields can be used to make fresh salads, sauces, sandwiches, and more!

Site tomatoes in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil where they receive full sun, ideally near structures like trellises or fences for natural support. Interplant with basil or marigolds to deter pests while maximizing garden space. Mulch after soil warms to retain moisture and reduce soil-borne disease spread. Avoid planting in areas recently used for nightshades (e.g., peppers, eggplants) to minimize pathogen risks.

Tomato Plant Care

Plant tomatoes deeply to encourage root development along stems, spacing determinate types 2 feet apart and indeterminates 3 feet. The soil should rich and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.2–6.8 for optimal uptake of nutrients. Water consistently at the base to maintain even moisture, aiming for 1–2 inches weekly, and apply balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. Full sun (6–8 hours daily) is non-negotiable for fruit set; partial shade invites leggy growth.

Prune indeterminate varieties by removing suckers and lower foliage to improve airflow and redirect energy to fruit production. Harvest when fruits detach easily, storing at room temperature to preserve flavor; refrigerate only short-term to prevent texture loss. Common issues include fungal diseases (e.g., early blight), addressed by crop rotation and fungicides, and pests like hornworms, managed through handpicking or biological controls. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and calcium-related disorders like blossom end rot.

Learn More About Tomato Plants

Growing Tomato Plants in Pots

Select determinate varieties for containers (minimum 18-inch diameter) with drainage holes, using lightweight plastic or fiberglass to avoid rapid drying. Mix potting soil with compost for fertility and water daily in heat, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Stake early to support growth and position containers in full sun, rotating periodically for even light exposure. Fertilize every 10–14 days with a low-nitrogen formula to prioritize fruit over foliage.

Tomato Companion Plants

Select companions that share tomatoes’ need for at least six hours of direct sun, fertile and evenly moist but well‑drained soil, and warm summer temperatures. Aromatic basil prospers under the same regime and its oils confuse sap‑sucking pests. Long-flowering black-eyed Susans will increase pepper pollination by drawing bees in summer. Edge the planting with French marigolds to divert nematodes and aphids, and thread in trailing oregano that cools the soil, saves water, and suppresses weeds.