Sweet Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sweet'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Sweet tomatoes that are great for fresh eating and salads. Highly favored for their taste and can be grown in containers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil temperature at 70–85°F for germination, which takes about 5–10 days.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, avoiding overwatering.
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily to promote healthy growth.
- Stake or cage plants early to support tall, heavy branches.
- Fertilize with a balanced tomato fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote sweeter, flavorful tomatoes.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply at the base of the plant to prevent diseases 🌱
- Prune suckers to improve air circulation and fruit production
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overhead watering which can cause fungal diseases ❌
- Don’t plant in waterlogged soil, as roots may rot
- Refrain from over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which encourages foliage over fruit
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sweet Tomato questions
What zones can Sweet Tomato grow in?
Sweet Tomato is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sweet Tomato deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sweet Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sweet Tomato bloom?
Sweet Tomato typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sweet Tomato need full sun?
Sweet Tomato does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Solanum to compare
Martino's Roma Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Martino's Roma'
Yukon Gold Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold'
Napa Rose Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Napa Rose'
Red Currant Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Currant'
Gold Medal Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Gold Medal'
Black and Brown Boar Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Black and Brown Boar'
Keep exploring
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Grow Sweet Tomato with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
