fruit vegetable

Tomato

Solanum esculentum

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum esculentum, historically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, is a sprawling, glandular-haired herbaceous annual native to western South America. It produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in lateral clusters followed by fleshy, edible red or yellow berries.

This species features highly aromatic, deeply lobed foliage covered in scent-gland hairs that release a distinct herbal odor when touched. Growth habits vary from compact, self-terminating determinate bushes to vigorously climbing indeterminate vines requiring structural support.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow star-shaped flowers and clusters of ripening red fruit provide visual interest in kitchen gardens.

Produces highly nutritious, edible fruit used extensively in culinary applications.

Flowers support native buzz-pollinating bees, including bumblebees, which vibrate the blossoms to release pollen.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

120"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Western South America

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with rich, well-draining loamy soil of pH 6.0 to 6.8.
Install stakes, cages, or trellises at planting time to support the sprawling stems of indeterminate varieties.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting, then transition to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula once flowers appear.

Pro Tip

Bury the transplant deep in the soil up to its first set of true leaves; this stimulates adventitious root development along the buried stem to build a more robust root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently at the soil level to prevent blossom-end rot.
Prune lateral suckers weekly on indeterminate varieties to maintain a single leader.
Bury the stem deeply when transplanting to encourage extra root growth.

Don't

Do not wet the foliage during watering, as this invites fungal blights.
Do not prune the woody old stems of this soft-stemmed annual.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers after flowering begins, which reduces fruit yield.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vegetable GardensContainer PlantingRaised Beds

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tomato questions

What zones can Tomato grow in?

Tomato is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tomato deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tomato bloom?

Tomato typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tomato need full sun?

Tomato does best in full sun (6+ hours).