Vegetable · Solanaceae family
tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
In short a 10-second read
Tomato (vegetable) grows to 0.6–2 m tall and 0.4–0.8 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in February–March. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in July–October.
× spread 0.4–0.8 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
pinch out the tips (as needed); tie in (as needed)
Sowing
sow indoors: February–March
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
July–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include tomato
Tomatoes with basil, marigold and lettuce — neighbours that help each…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow tomato?
In February–March (sow indoors).
When is tomato harvested?
In July–October.
Does tomato tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does tomato need?
At maturity 0.4–0.8 m wide and 0.6–2 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 31 August 2026.
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