Changes

| exposure = full sun

| exposure = full sun

| water = regular

| water = regular

| features =     <!--- flowers, fragrance, fruit, naturalizes, invasive -->

| features = fruit

| hardiness =     <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 5°C (40°F), etc -->

| hardiness = tender/frost sensitive

| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->

| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->

| usda_zones = all

| usda_zones = all

| cultivar =  

| cultivar =  

}}

}}

Tomatoes are technically fruits (berries to be exact) that are treated like vegetables.  Tomatoes are one of the most common garden vegetables in the United States and have a reputation for being easy to grow, and producing a prolific crop{{SSN}}. Plants usually grow 1–3 m high, on a weak, woody stem that often needs support. [[leaf|Leaves]] are 10–25 cm long, pinnate, with 5–9 leaflets, each leaflet up to 8 cm long, with a serrated margin; both the stem and leaves are densely glandular-hairy. The small, 1-2cm yellow [[flower]]s have five pointed lobes on the [[corolla]], and come on a [[cyme]] of 3–12 together.  

Tomatoes are technically fruits (berries to be exact) that are treated like vegetables.  Tomatoes are one of the most common garden plants in the United States and have a reputation for being easy to grow, and producing a prolific crop{{SSN}}. Plants usually grow 1–3 m high, on a weak, woody stem that often needs support. [[leaf|Leaves]] are 10–25 cm long, pinnate, with 5–9 leaflets, each leaflet up to 8 cm long, with a serrated margin; both the stem and leaves are densely glandular-hairy. The small, 1-2cm yellow [[flower]]s have five pointed lobes on the [[corolla]], and come on a [[cyme]] of 3–12 together.  

Tomatoes are grown around the world for their edible fruit, and thousands of [[cultivar]]s having been selected for varying fruit types, colors, sizes, textures, shapes, and for optimum growth in different climates and conditions. They range in size from the 1-2cm [[cherry tomato]]es, to the 10cm or more beefsteak tomatoes. Most cultivars are in the 5-6cm range and red is the most common color, though yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, or white fruit are also easily found. Some have multicolored and striped fruit. Tomatoes grown for [[canning]] are usually elongated, at 7–9 cm long and 4–5 cm wide; they are known as [[plum tomato]]es.

Tomatoes are grown around the world for their edible fruit, and thousands of [[cultivar]]s having been selected for varying fruit types, colors, sizes, textures, shapes, and for optimum growth in different climates and conditions. They range in size from the 1-2cm [[cherry tomato]]es, to the 10cm or more beefsteak tomatoes. Most cultivars are in the 5-6cm range and red is the most common color, though yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, or white fruit are also easily found. Some have multicolored and striped fruit. Tomatoes grown for [[canning]] are usually elongated, at 7–9 cm long and 4–5 cm wide; they are known as [[plum tomato]]es.

| notes =

| notes =

}}  

}}  

{{edit-cult}}<!--- Type cultivation info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

6 plants provide enough fruit for a family of 4 to use fresh, and preserve{{SSN}}.  Planting early, mid and late season varieties will ensure tomatoes throughout the season.  Grow in sunny spot with good drainage.  Soil should be neutral to a little acid{{SSN}}, if it's very acid add some sulfur, or if it's very alkaline add lime before planting.  Staked and trained plants can be planted 1½ - 3 feet apart, while unstaked/trained plants should be planted 3-4 feet apart.  Plant the seedlings deep, up to the first leaves, as they will form additional roots on the buried stem, giving them a healthier root system.

 

 

Water heavily, and regularly 2-3 times a week, depending on the weather.  Rich soil will not require fertilizer, but poor soil could use some Tomato fertilizer.

 

If night temperatures drop below 13°C (55°F) in the spring, fruit will probably not set{{SSN}}.  You can use fruit-set hormones to speed up production.  When temperatures top 38°C (100°F), fruit production also may stop{{SSN}}, but hormones will not help in this case.  It is important then if your climate is extreme to choose varieties specifically for your needs.

 

Fruit is ripe when coloration is complete and fruit are juicy.  Continually harvest ripe fruit to extend season.  If frost is going to end the season, pick all fruit including unripe, which can be kept in a dry, dark place at 16-21°C (60-70°F) where it may ripen{{SSN}}.  Or you can pickle the green tomatoes.

===Hydroponic and greenhouse cultivation===

===Hydroponic and greenhouse cultivation===

===Propagation===

===Propagation===

{{edit-prop}}<!--- Type propagation info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

From seed.  Seeds widely available in stores and catalogs, and heirlooms varieties can be grown from seed from your favorite varieties. Plant seeds indoors 5-7 weeks before moving them to the garden in order to get a head-start on the season and production.{{SSN}} Plant seeds under ½ in. of fine soil, firmed over the seeds, and keep damp.  Place in sunny window or cold frame.  Temperatures from 18-21°C (65-70°F) are perfect, but anywhere from 10-29°C (50-85°F) will do{{SSN}}.  When seedlings are 2 inches tall, they should be in pots at least 3-4 inches in size.  Keep in a sunny spot throughout the growing process.  If you buy seedlings at the store, choose the compact and sturdy plants.  If they're already flowering or fruiting in a small pot, they are probably root-bound and won't be as productive in the garden.

===Pests and diseases===

===Pests and diseases===