Solanum lycopersicum

Solanum lycopersicum (tomate) — nativo da América do Sul, outrora temido na Europa como uma solanácea venenosa, hoje cultivado em todo o lado, desde o cherry ao de bife. O espaço botânico da nossa gama de tomate.

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Solanum lycopersicum — the tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is the botanical name for the tomato, a tender perennial in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) grown the world over as an annual. From tiny cherries to giant beefsteaks, it is the species behind our entire tomato range, including our sweet cherry tomatoes, within the fruiting vegetable collection.

History & origin

The tomato originated in western South America, along the Andes, and was first domesticated further north in Mesoamerica — the word “tomato” comes from the Nahuatl tomatl. Spanish explorers carried it to Europe in the 16th century, but for a long time it was grown only as a curiosity or ornamental: as a member of the nightshade family it was widely suspected of being poisonous. It took until the 18th and 19th centuries for the tomato to be fully embraced across European and Mediterranean cooking, where it is now central.

Its species name, lycopersicum, means “wolf peach” — a trace of those old suspicions about the handsome but mistrusted fruit.

Botanical characteristics

Botanically the tomato is a fruit — a berry — though we treat it as a vegetable in the kitchen. Plants grow in two main forms: indeterminate “cordon” types that climb and crop over a long season and need staking and side-shooting, and bush “determinate” types that stay compact and crop in a flush. Fruit ranges from pea-sized to over a kilogram, in red, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple and striped. Compact and trailing varieties do beautifully in our container range.

Growing Solanum lycopersicum from seed

Sow indoors in early spring for the longest season, keeping seedlings warm and bright. Pot on, harden off, then grow on in a greenhouse, against a warm wall or in the sunniest spot you have. Cordon types need a cane and regular side-shooting; all tomatoes want steady, even watering to prevent splitting and a high-potash feed once fruiting. Our vegetable sowing calendar and plant supports guide cover the details.

Ready to grow tomatoes? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Tomato · Cherry Tomato · Sweet Peppers · Container Veg · Fruiting Veg

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Perguntas Frequentes

O que é Solanum lycopersicum?
É o nome botânico do tomate, uma planta delicada da família das solanáceas.

De onde são originários os tomates?
Da América do Sul ocidental, tendo sido domesticados pela primeira vez na Mesoamérica.

Por que razão se chama “pêssego-do-lobo”?
Lycopersicum significa pêssego-do-lobo, refletindo os antigos receios europeus de que o fruto era venenoso.

O tomate é uma fruta ou um legume?
Botanicamente é uma fruta (uma baga), mas é utilizado como legume na cozinha.

Tomate de cordon ou arbustivo?
Os tipos de cordon sobem, são tutorados e produzem ao longo de uma longa temporada; os tipos arbustivos mantêm-se compactos e produzem de uma só vez.