Tomato.

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Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Annual vegetable

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 1 to 3 days

Mature size

1 to 3 meters tall

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 2 to 11

Bloom time

Summer

Cuidados

Tomatoes need plenty of sun and consistent watering to prevent issues like blossom end rot. Support the plants with stakes or cages as they grow to keep the fruit off the ground and improve air circulation. Watch out for common pests like aphids and hornworms.

Watering

Water deeply and consistently, especially during fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

Feeding

Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer, switching to one lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus once flowering begins.

Pruning

Prune suckers (side shoots) on indeterminate varieties to improve fruit production and air circulation. Remove lower leaves touching the soil.

Repotting

Tomatoes are typically grown as annuals and not repotted, but seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots if started indoors.

Soil

Rich, well-draining loam

Soil pH

6.0 to 6.8

Temperature

15 to 30°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Deer and rabbits

low

Seguridad

People

The leaves, stems, and unripe fruit contain solanine, which can cause stomach upset and other symptoms if ingested in large quantities.

Pets

The fruit is safe for pets, but the leaves and stems contain solanine and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Children

Small children might be tempted to eat unripe tomatoes, which can cause gastrointestinal upset due to solanine content.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience skin irritation from handling tomato plants, especially the leaves and stems.

Airborne allergens

Tomato pollen can be an allergen for sensitive individuals, potentially causing respiratory issues.

Edibility

While the ripe fruit is edible, unripe or green parts of the plant can be toxic.

Cómo identificarla

• Fuzzy stems and leaves
• Yellow, star-shaped flowers
• Vining or bushy growth habit
• Fleshy, edible berries (fruit)
• Distinctive, pungent aroma

Height

0.3 to 3m

Spread

0.3 to 1m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

yellow, 1 to 2cm

Fruit

red, yellow, orange, green, purple, pink, Summer to Fall

Problemas frecuentes

• Early Blight — Causes dark spots with concentric rings on leaves, leading to yellowing and leaf drop.
• Late Blight — A fast-spreading disease causing water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, often leading to plant death.
• Tomato Hornworm — Large green caterpillars that can defoliate plants rapidly.
• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants and transmit diseases.
• Blossom End Rot — A dark, sunken spot on the blossom end of the fruit, usually caused by inconsistent watering and calcium deficiency.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Overwintering

Tomatoes are annuals and will not survive freezing temperatures. In cooler climates, they are grown as annuals. In frost-free regions, they might perennialize if protected, but yield often declines significantly in subsequent years.

In containers

Excellent for containers, especially determinate or dwarf varieties. Use pots at least 5-gallon size per plant, with good drainage.

Plant tomatoes with herbs like basil and chives to enhance flavor and deter pests, and consider root vegetables like carrots that improve soil structure.

Buenas compañeras

• Basil — Basil is thought to improve tomato flavor and repel some pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies.
• Marigolds — Certain varieties of marigolds can deter nematodes in the soil, which can harm tomato roots.
• Carrots — Carrots help loosen the soil, which can benefit tomato root growth, and they don't compete for the same nutrients.
• Onions — Onions can help deter pests that might attack tomatoes, and they have different nutrient needs.

Mantenla lejos de

• Cabbage — Cabbage family plants can stunt the growth of tomatoes when planted nearby.
• Fennel — Fennel is known to inhibit the growth of many other plants, including tomatoes.

Especies parecidas

• Eggplant — Both are in the Solanum genus and share similar cultural needs and susceptibility to some pests and diseases.
• Peppers — Peppers are also warm-season fruiting plants with similar light and soil requirements.
• Potato — Potatoes are closely related to tomatoes within the Solanum genus and can be affected by some of the same diseases.

Ciencia

Family

Solanaceae

Genus

Solanum

Order

Solanales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southwestern South America, specifically the Andes region.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows in disturbed soils and along the edges of forests, often as a sprawling vine.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

culinary, ornamental

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How much sun do tomatoes need?

Tomatoes thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What is the best soil for tomatoes?

They prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

How often should I water tomatoes?

Water consistently, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, more in hot weather.

When should I fertilize tomatoes?

Fertilize at planting and then every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for tomatoes.

Can tomatoes be grown in containers?

Yes, many varieties do well in containers, provided they are large enough and have good drainage.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name 'Solanum' comes from the Latin word 'solamen', meaning 'quieting' or 'comforting', possibly referring to its narcotic properties. The species name 'lycopersicum' is derived from Greek words 'lykos' (wolf) and 'persikon' (peach), leading to the common name 'wolf peach'.

Bueno saberlo

• The word 'tomato' comes from the Aztec word 'tomatl'.
• There are thousands of tomato varieties grown worldwide.
• Tomatoes were once believed to be poisonous in Europe.
• The largest tomato ever grown weighed over 11 pounds.