Plant Finder - the ultimate garden reference resource
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Botanic Name
Genus: Lycopersicon
Species: esculentum
Variety:
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Type: Vegetable
Family: SOLANACEAE
Origins: Central & South America
Light: Full Sun
Wind: Sheltered
Growth: Very fast
Frost: Tender
Evergreen: No
Native: No
Height: 1.8m
Width: 0.2m
Position
Glasshouse
Patio
Pots & Planters
Trellis
RETAIL Availability
Easy to find
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Flowering Time
(Southern Hemisphere)
October
November
December
Climate Zone
Zone: 8
Zone: 9
Zone: 10
Zone: 11
Zone: 12
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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Lycopersicon esculentum are annuals, or short-lived perennials grown for succulent fruit.
They have soft, pungent, hairy stems and branches profusely (pinch out tips to promote good fruiting). Some varieties are best grown as a bush whilst others require staking.
Small yellow flowers turn to green globular succulent fruit that mature, in sunny conditions, to red, yellow or sometimes even stripy fruit. There are many varieties and the fruit varies in size and shape from small round cherry size to large round Oxheart and plum shaped Romas.
They are frost tender so in frost prone areas they are best grown under cover until risk of frost has passed.
Soil: Fertile, well drained and warm soils. Don't plant tomatoes in the same soil two years in a row to avoid disease carry-over. Add a sprinkle of lime - as toms like calcium.
Maintenance: Grow from seeds or buy seedlings - however keep both protected until they are established (30cms tall at least) before planting out with stakes to hold them up. Some will grow prostrate but become prone to slugs. Keep moist but don't overwater, feed often during growing phases with a fertiliser formulated specially for tomatoes.
Diseases: Prone to many pests and diseases inc:- caterpillars, mites, wilt, fruit fly, leaf spot and Rutherglen bug.
Other Species: 7 species in total
Comments: The name is Greek, meaning "Wolf Peach". Brought from South America in 16th century - first cultivated in France and Italy
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
SA |
Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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