Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow in a vegetable garden. There are many varieties of tomatoes, ranging from red to yellow, orange, and purple in colour and from very small tomatoes to very large ones that can weigh up to 2 lbs each.
Is the VARIETY Determinate (Bush Tomatoes) or Indeterminate (Vine Tomatoes)?
Determinate Varieties
- Shorter plants that stop producing new shoots or flowers after reaching their full size.
- Fruit generally ripens early and all at once.
- Can be easily grown in containers.
Indeterminate Varieties
- Continues to grow new shoots and flowers until cut down or killed by cold.
- Fruit continuously throughout season.
- Can grow over 8 feet tall, needs staking!
How Long Does it Take for Fruit to Mature?
Maturity Days (from transplanting):
- Early season: 40 to 70 days
- Mid season: 60 to 70 days
- Late season: 80 to 100 days
TIP: Grow a few early varieties to ensure fruit ripening in cool summers.
Some tomato varieties are bred to resist certain viruses or fungal disease. Look for this information on the seed package.
What Growing Conditions Do Tomatoes Prefer?
- Sun: Full sun, 6 to 8 hours.
- Water: 1 to 1.5 inches per week, preferably in the morning and avoid overhead watering.
- Soil: Slightly acidic with pH of 6.2 to 6.8; well drained.
- Temperature: Grows best at 26 to 30º C.
Note: Temperatures over 30º C. will sterilize pollen, preventing fruit set.
What Features Should I Look for When Purchasing Transplants?
- Healthy, dark green leaves.
- Avoid plants with leggy growth, yellow leaves or with roots growing out the bottom of the pot.
Resources
- Hillock, D & E. Rebeck. 2017. Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden. Oregon State University Extension. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/growing-tomatoes-in-the-home-garden-2.html
- Gilkeson, L. 2018. 2nd Ed. Backyard Bounty. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC.
- Kieser, D. 2024. Tomatoes. March 2024 VIRL Virtual Gardening Series. https://www.vimga.org/resources-2/virl-vimga-seminar-series/
- Royal Horticultural Society. 2025. How to grow tomatoes. https://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/tomatoes/grow-your-own
- Solomon S. & M. McShane. 2015. 7th Ed. Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades. Sasquatch Books, USA.
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