Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

By / May 24, 2025
Tomato ChatGPT Image May 24, 2025, 08_09_17 PM

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Tomato

  2. Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum

  3. Family: Solanaceae

  4. Origin: Native to western South America and Central America

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11; grown as an annual in cooler zones

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun; requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

  7. Water Needs: Consistent moisture; deep watering 1–2 times per week, more frequently in containers or during hot weather

  8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.2–6.8

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:

    • Aquaponics: Very compatible

    • Aeroponics: Very compatible

    • Hydroponics: Very compatible

    • Preferred Method: Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Dutch Bucket systems are commonly used for hydroponic tomato cultivation

  10. Growth Habit: Tender perennial often grown as an annual; growth habit varies by cultivar: determinate (bushy) or indeterminate (vining)

  11. Height & Spread: Height: 1.5–2.5 meters; Spread: 0.5–1 meter

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 65–85 days, depending on variety and growing conditions

  13. Flowering Time: Typically blooms in summer; flowers are yellow, star-shaped, and appear in clusters

  14. Edible Parts: Fruit is edible; leaves and stems contain tomatine and are generally considered inedible

  15. Medicinal Uses: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease; traditionally used for treating burns and sunburns

  16. Companion Plants: Basil, marigold, asparagus, chives, and nasturtium; these companions can deter pests and improve growth

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms; diseases include blight and wilt. Resistant cultivars are available, denoted by codes such as V (Verticillium), F (Fusarium), N (Nematodes), and T (Tobacco Mosaic Virus)

  18. Harvest Time: Harvest when fruits are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch; store at room temperature for best flavor

  19. Propagation Methods: Primarily grown from seeds; germination occurs in 7–14 days. Can also be propagated from cuttings

  20. Sustainability Features: Tomatoes can be grown in various systems, including hydroponics and aquaponics, allowing for water-efficient cultivation. They can also be part of crop rotation systems to manage soil health

  21. Culinary Uses: Consumed raw in salads, cooked in sauces, soups, and stews; also used in juices and dried products

  22. Fun Fact: Although botanically a fruit, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1893 that tomatoes are vegetables for tariff purposes

Brandywine (Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine')

  • Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet, and slightly tangy; classic "old-fashioned" tomato taste.

  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for slicing, sandwiches, and fresh eating.

  • Notes: Large pink fruits; indeterminate heirloom variety with potato-leaf foliage; late-maturing but highly prized for flavor.

Cherokee Purple (Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple')

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, complex, and slightly smoky.

  • Culinary Uses: Excellent for slicing, salads, and caprese.

  • Notes: Dusky purplish-red fruit with green shoulders; indeterminate heirloom with consistently high flavor ratings.

San Marzano (Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano')

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet with low acidity and few seeds.

  • Culinary Uses: Premier choice for sauces, pastes, and canning.

  • Notes: Traditional Italian plum tomato; long, firm fruits; indeterminate and very prolific.

Sun Gold (Solanum lycopersicum 'Sun Gold')

  • Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet and fruity.

  • Culinary Uses: Best fresh; perfect for snacking and salads.

  • Notes: Bright orange cherry tomatoes; indeterminate and very productive.

Green Zebra (Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra')

  • Flavor Profile: Tangy, zesty, and slightly tart.

  • Culinary Uses: Great for salads and color contrast in fresh dishes.

  • Notes: Green with yellow stripes; indeterminate heirloom with good disease resistance.

Black Krim (Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim')

  • Flavor Profile: Rich, savory, and slightly salty.

  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for slicing and gourmet presentations.

  • Notes: Deep reddish-purple with green shoulders; heirloom from Crimea; thrives in heat.

Early Girl (Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl')

  • Flavor Profile: Balanced sweet-acidic tomato flavor.

  • Culinary Uses: Great for salads, sandwiches, and general use.

  • Notes: Early maturing hybrid; determinate and dependable producer.

Roma (Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma')

  • Flavor Profile: Mild, with low moisture and few seeds.

  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for sauces, pastes, and roasting.

  • Notes: Determinate plum tomato with thick flesh; widely grown for preservation.

Yellow Pear (Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear')

  • Flavor Profile: Mild and subtly sweet.

  • Culinary Uses: Best in salads, pickling, and for visual appeal.

  • Notes: Small, pear-shaped, bright yellow fruits; indeterminate and very prolific.

Mortgage Lifter (Solanum lycopersicum 'Mortgage Lifter')

  • Flavor Profile: Meaty and sweet with minimal seeds.

  • Culinary Uses: Great for slicing and fresh use.

  • Notes: Large pink fruits; heirloom with a backstory of being sold to pay off the breeder’s mortgage.

Juliet (Solanum lycopersicum 'Juliet')

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, firm, and juicy.

  • Culinary Uses: Great for salads, roasting, and fresh snacking.

  • Notes: Grape tomato hybrid; crack-resistant; highly productive indeterminate.

Costoluto Genovese (Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Genovese')

  • Flavor Profile: Rich, tangy, and old-fashioned.

  • Culinary Uses: Excellent for sauce, slicing, and grilling.

  • Notes: Deeply ribbed Italian heirloom; striking appearance with excellent flavor.

Big Beef (Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Beef')

  • Flavor Profile: Classic beefsteak flavor, balanced and full-bodied.

  • Culinary Uses: Best for sandwiches, burgers, and thick slices.

  • Notes: Hybrid variety with high disease resistance; large red fruits; indeterminate and reliable.

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