TOMATOES

Tomatoes are warm season plants. From a spring planting they produce fruit continuously from December until the end of May. This succession can come from the ongoing care of tall varieties growing on stakes or supports, or from the easy-care method of successive plantings of dwarf varieties every 3 to 4 weeks. 

Selecting the site

Tomatoes grow best in a warm, sunny position. They should not be grown in the same area of soil for 2 years in a row. It is best to move them to a new site each year and return to each site one year in four.  

Tomatoes grow in most soils, but the usual rules apply. They require good drainage, compost added to improve soil structure and the planting area raised in clay soils. You can also grow them in pots. 

The plants

Tomatoes can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. There are many varieties with fruit which vary in size, shape, taste, colour, acidity, as well as the growing habit of the plants. So, if you are a tomato fanatic try the different varieties until you find your favourite–it can be fun. There are some interesting types among the old 'heritage' varieties, but generally the modern hybrids are far superior for vigour, disease resistance, taste and yield.

‍Popular old varieties

Russian Red - hardy early type
Moneymaker - good medium variety
Dr Walters Special - acid free

 Popular hybrid varieties‍

Early Girl - reliable early cropper
Roma - tall and tasty acid free
Big Beef - best of the large fruiting types
Sweet 100 - most popular cherry type 

‍ican hybrid varieties

To find the very best varieties, our garden experts carried out extensive trials and sought advice from tomato specialists in NZ and worldwide. We have chosen the very best tomatoes for you under the ican brand.

Flavoursome-mid size, the best for flavour

‍Big Red -best of the large fruiting types

‍Cherry-most popular cherry type

Olga’s Round GoldenEgg - heritage tomato, great taste and colour

Chocolate Sprinkles –uniquely coloured small fruit, bursting with flavour

Tumbling Tom – dwarf plant with cascades of juicy cherry-sized fruit

When to plant

Being a warm weather crop, tomatoes don’t really start growing until temperatures are up to 20°C with night-time minimums above 10°C. In warm sheltered areas, planting can commence in early October (but cover for frost).  In colder areas November is safer. A later planting in December will ensure a good supply of tomatoes through until the end of May.  

How to plant

If raising from seed refer to the article on seed raising. Plants are best planted out 60cm apart when 15 to 20cm high.  Before planting, work into the soil a dressing of lime and ican Organic VegetableFood. Tomatoes can be grown in large pots that are at least 40cm across and deep, using quality ican Premium Potting Mix. 

Staking

Tall tomato varieties need to be supported by tying to a stake or by growing them against a fence or trellis. Most gardeners use stakes and tie the main stem and each main leader, to the stake at intervals. The additional leaders can be trained from the first laterals (side shoots) from the main stem of the plant. Once these additional leaders are established, remove all other laterals with a sharp knife, or snap off with your fingers.  

Hybrid varieties are sufficiently vigorous to sustain three leading stems. Grafted varieties could sustain 5 leaders. 

Feeding

Tomatoes will yield much more if they are well fed. Hence in addition to the fertiliser applied prior to planting, start weekly liquid feeding when the first truss of fruit has formed, with ican Tomato Food. 

Watering

Tomatoes require lots of water regularly. They must not be allowed to dry out as this drastically reduces yield. Irregular watering leads to blossom end rot, a sunken black patch on the bottom of the fruit. Water daily in hot weather once fruit has developed. Plants in pots will need twice daily watering from December onwards.  

Pests and diseases

Many problems with tomatoes are associated with temperature, watering and feeding, so ensure these aspects are correct. Common pests and diseases are:

· White fly, caterpillars & psyllid—spray with Yates Mavrik

· Blight—spray with Grosafe FreeFlo Copper

· Botrytis—practice good hygiene, good ventilation and no overhead watering.

Organic gardeners can use Grosafe Enspray 99, Grosafe FreeFlo Copper, and Yates Success Ultra for caterpillars.