Solanum lycopersicum

Tomatoes are popular annual plants that produce juicy, colourful fruits and thrive in warm conditions. They are native to South America and come in two main types, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are bushy and self-supporting and indeterminate are tall plants that require staking and pruning.
Step-by-step instructions for growing Tomato
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Grow tomatoes in a greenhouse for an earlier and longer harvest. This method provides protection from UK weather but requires ventilation and pollination attention.
Sow seeds in a greenhouse or indoors around 2nd March - 17th March. Maintain a temperature of for germination. Use a propagator to ensure consistent warmth.
Prick out seedlings into individual pots around 23rd March - 30th March once true leaves appear. Use a peat-free compost and keep plants in a bright, frost-free greenhouse.
Pot on into larger containers around 6th April - 13th April to support root growth. Ensure the greenhouse is ventilated on sunny days to prevent damping off.
Plant into greenhouse beds or large pots around 16th April - 23rd April. Space plants apart. Water well and consider using grow bags for container growing.
Install supports and train plants from 26th April. Remove side shoots on cordon varieties and pinch out the tip after 6-7 trusses. Ventilate the greenhouse to reduce humidity and pollinate flowers by gently shaking plants.
Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser every 14 days from 3rd May until 12th November. Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during fruiting, to prevent problems like blossom end rot.
Harvest ripe fruits from 28th June until 12th November. Pick regularly to encourage continuous production. In a greenhouse, harvesting can extend later into autumn compared to outdoors.
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tomato.
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Popular varieties of Tomato to consider
A popular cherry tomato with sweet, abundant fruits. Ideal for UK gardens due to its reliability and good flavour.
A classic cordon variety producing medium-sized red fruits. Known for its high yield and disease resistance in UK conditions.
A trailing bush tomato perfect for hanging baskets or containers. Produces small red or yellow fruits without needing support.
See how Tomato timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.