Tomato

Grow vibrant, flavorful tomatoes from seed

This curated range of Tomato Seeds spans tomato varieties of Solanum lycopersicum, from Cherry tomato seeds for bite-sized sweetness to Beefsteak tomato seeds for generous slices, plus Plum tomato seeds and Paste tomato seeds ideal for rich sauces. Classic Heirloom tomato seeds sit alongside modern F1 options, covering both Indeterminate tomato seeds for prolonged production and Determinate tomato seeds for compact crops. The small yellow blooms provide a subtle flowering display and are valued by pollinating insects before setting heavy trusses fit for greenhouse tomato growing or outdoor tomato culture, adding biodiversity and broadening harvest potential across many garden styles.

Growing tomatoes from seed offers flexibility: sowing tomatoes indoors in late winter to early spring, then hardening off seedlings and transplanting after last frost when nights are reliably mild. Plants respond best in Full sun. Training methods include staking and trellising tomatoes or using tomato cages; selective pruning of tomato suckers helps maintain airflow and tidy growth. Container tomatoes thrive where space is limited, with bush habits suiting smaller pots and vine types benefiting from sturdy supports. The selection of Tomato Seeds reflects diverse habits and fruit types, accommodating compact patios, productive borders, and protected structures alike.

Chosen for breadth of flavour, size, and season length, these Tomato Seeds support everything from fresh salads and sandwiches to roasting, passata, and slow-cooked sauces. Heritage tomatoes share space with resilient F1 hybrid tomatoes, including options noted for tomato blight resistance. Companion planting with tomatoes and mulching around tomatoes are common practices for steady growth, while careful feeding helps sustain trusses through peak set. For extended picking, indeterminate tomatoes carry on through warm conditions; determinate tomatoes deliver a concentrated flush that suits batching and preserving. Across these Tomato Seeds, forms and flavours align readily with containers, borders, and kitchen needs.

Solanum lycopersicum

This navigator presents related fruit categories connected to this range, starting with the overarching Fruits Seeds hub and continuing through collections focused on specific tastes, growth habits, and uses. Options include compact choices suited to containers, fast-growing selections, culinary-focused picks, and distinctive plants such as cape gooseberry and melon pear, alongside broader groups like berries, citrus, and melons. These links place tomato choices within a wider fruit-growing context.

• Fruits Seeds
• Berry & Small Fruits
• Cape Gooseberry
• Citrus Plants
• Container-Friendly Fruits
• Culinary Fruits
• Fast-Growing Fruits
• Melon
• Melon Pear

Solanum lycopersicum

Thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and consistent moisture. Start growing tomatoes from seed indoors in late winter to early spring; sowing tomatoes indoors speeds tomato germination with bottom heat. Harden off seedlings and transplant after the last frost when nights are reliably mild. Set plants 45–60 cm apart, giving wider spacing to vigorous indeterminate tomatoes, and provide sturdy support early. Water deeply, mulch around tomatoes to moderate soil moisture, and feed as plants establish and flower. Suits outdoor tomato culture or greenhouse tomato growing where temperatures are cool. Aim for a slightly acidic, fertile soil.

• Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost; 20–24°C bottom heat aids 5–10 day germination; give strong light to prevent legginess; soil pH 6.0–6.8 is suitable.
• Support and growth habit: stake or trellis early; prune tomato suckers on indeterminate tomatoes for airflow; determinate tomatoes suit minimal pruning and tomato cages.
• Container growing: choose compact determinate or dwarf varieties; use 20–30 L containers with well-drained, fertile mix; water deeply and consistently.
• Pollination: flowers are self-fertile; airflow or gentle shaking improves set under cover; bee visits can modestly enhance fruit set.
• Edible fruit: harvest when fully coloured and slightly tender; maintain even moisture and mulch to help reduce blossom end rot risk; feed balanced early, then potassium-rich fertiliser at first truss.

When should I sow tomato seeds indoors, and when is it safe to transplant outside?

Sow tomato seeds indoors from late winter to early spring in warm, bright conditions. Most growers raise seedlings under cover because outdoor soils warm slowly. Begin hardening off 7–10 days before planting out by gradually increasing exposure to sun and breeze. Transplant after the last frost when nights are reliably mild, spacing plants out well and providing supports early. In protected structures, planting can be brought forward if temperature swings and frost risk are managed. Direct sowing outdoors is only practical where soils warm early and the season is long.

How deep should I plant tomato seeds for reliable germination?

Plant tomato seeds shallowly—just covered—so they can emerge easily. A depth around 0.5 cm is typical. Use a fine, moist seed compost, firm lightly, and keep evenly moist but not waterlogged. Steady warmth speeds germination, while big temperature swings or overly wet media can slow or rot seeds. Provide bright light as soon as seedlings appear and move them on once the first true leaves develop.

What spacing do tomato plants need in beds, and does it differ for indeterminate types?

Allow roughly 45–60 cm (18–24 in) between plants in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; give more room to vigorous indeterminate tomatoes to improve airflow and access. Good spacing, along with staking or trellising, helps sunlight reach foliage and can reduce humidity around leaves, which is useful for limiting disease pressure. If training indeterminate plants to a single stem, remove excess side shoots (suckers) regularly and tie stems to a sturdy support.

Which tomato varieties are best for containers, and what do potted plants require?

Compact determinate (bush), dwarf, and many cherry tomato varieties suit containers particularly well. Use a large container with excellent drainage filled with a rich, well-structured mix that holds moisture yet doesn’t stay soggy. Position in full sun, install a cage or stakes at planting, and water consistently so the root zone never swings from very dry to saturated. Once flowering begins, feed regularly with a balanced, potassium‑rich fertiliser to support blossom and fruit development.

How much sun and water do tomato plants need throughout the season?

Tomatoes thrive in full sun and benefit from as much direct light as you can provide. Aim for consistent soil moisture: water deeply at the base in the morning, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before the next irrigation. Mulching helps maintain even moisture and temperature. Avoid frequent light splashes and wet foliage where possible to limit disease. Irregular watering can lead to issues like blossom end rot and fruit cracking, so steadiness is more important than a fixed schedule.

Do tomato flowers need pollinators, and how can I boost fruit set?

Tomato flowers are self‑fertile; a light breeze or vibration transfers pollen within the blossom. Outdoors, visiting bees can enhance fruit set, while in greenhouses gentle tapping of flower trusses and good ventilation achieve similar effects. Keep plants in full sun, feed appropriately once flowering starts, and maintain even moisture to support pollination and fruit development. Avoid using products that may harm pollinators during bloom, and manage humidity to reduce sticky pollen that can hinder effective self‑pollination.

Seed is sourced from vetted growers and processed in accredited facilities. Batches are purity and germination tested, disease‑screened, and compliant with applicable seed standards. Non‑GMO; organic or treated status is stated where relevant. Lots are traceable and stored to protect viability. Guidance here is general; suitability and performance vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Product pages carry specific instructions, including sowing timings, treatment details, and any legal or phytosanitary requirements.

Grow vibrant, flavorful tomatoes from seed

Tomato seeds encompass a wide range of types, from petite cherries and cocktail to meaty paste and large beefsteak, expressed in reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, greens, stripes, and deep purples. Options include open-pollinated heirlooms valued for character and hybrids bred for vigor, uniformity, and disease resistance. For best results, sow in warm, free-draining media at 21–27°C, about 6–8 weeks before the last frost; transplant only after frost risk passes and soils warm. Provide abundant light, consistent moisture, and balanced nutrition. Indeterminate vines benefit from staking, stringing, or cages; determinate plants stay compact and suit containers. Space plants to encourage airflow, mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce splash, and prune lightly to manage vigor. Monitor for common issues such as blossom-end rot, splitting from irregular watering, and foliar diseases; select varieties with appropriate resistances where needed. Days to maturity typically range from about 55 to 85+ days after transplant. For broader crop planning within fruiting crops, see Fruits Seeds.