Solanum lycopersicum

Solanum lycopersicum, more widely known as the tomato plant, is a fruiting perennial vine native to Central and South America.  There are two main types of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Indeterminate tomato plants are perennials in certain environments but die annually otherwise.  Determinate tomato plants are annuals in all climates.  When grown along a support, the tomato plant's fuzzy, fragrant vines will generally grow to be about 6-10 ft / 1.8-3 m tall.  Numerous soft, inconspicuous hairs grow along the tomato plant's vines and allow the plant to sense the ground and put down roots quickly after contact.  Tomato plants typically have vibrant green compound leaves and are called "regular-leaf plants." Other cultivars have simple leaves that resemble those of a potato plant and are subsequently called potato leaf plants.  Most tomato varieties produce fruits that are red in color, but they also come in a range of colors from yellow to purple.  

Spacing is very important when growing tomato plants.  Planting in rows spaced 2-3 ft / 0.6-0.9 m apart, with rows having 4-5 ft / 1.2-1.5 m of space between them, should provide all the root space needed and prevent overcrowding.  Tomato plants love intense heat and should be planted where they receive bright, unobstructed sunshine throughout the day.  Well-draining, rich, loamy garden soil with a neutral to acidic pH is perfect for growing tomato plants.  Watering 1-2 in / 2.5-3 cm weekly, with as much time in between waterings as possible, is ideal for tomato plants.  Greater infrequency of watering encourages the plant to spread its roots farther, thus providing the plant with more support.  Feed tomato plants once every 4-6 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season, as this should help promote healthier and more flavorful fruit.  One important benefit of pruning tomato plants is that it diverts energy and nutrients to the fruit that would be otherwise wasted.  By pinching off budding leaves that form in the main "V" junctions of the vine, you can prevent the plant from becoming overly bushy while reserving its resources for fruit production.  

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Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Solanum Lycopersicum

Solanum lycopersicum

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