Overview
- Common Name: Tomato / Kamatis
- Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Plant Type: Fruit-bearing annual vegetable
- Uses: Salad, sauces, cooking, juice, ornamental (cherry tomato)
- Growth Habit: Bushy or vine (depending on variety)
Best Varieties for the Philippines
| Variety | Features | Disadvantages | Typical Height |
|---|
| Diamante Max F1 | High-yield hybrid with firm, red fruits; resistant to bacterial wilt and leaf curl; ideal for commercial production. | Expensive seeds; not open-pollinated (cannot save seeds). | 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) |
| Apollo F1 | Early fruiting (around 70 days after transplant); performs well in lowlands; produces uniform fruits. | Sensitive to heavy rain and waterlogging. | 60–80 cm (24–32 inches) |
| Cherry Tomato (Sweet 100 / Golden Cherry) | Very sweet, bite-sized fruits; ornamental; thrives in pots or hanging containers. | Shorter lifespan and smaller fruits compared to standard tomatoes. | 150–200 cm (60–80 inches) |
| Native Kamatis (Open-pollinated) | Tolerant to local tropical conditions; flavorful and suited for backyard planting. | More prone to pest attacks and fruit cracking during wet season. | 70–120 cm (28–48 inches) |
🟢 Best for Beginners: Cherry tomato (for pots) or Apollo F1 (for open garden).
Germination from Seeds
- Propagation: From seeds (can also use suckers or stem cuttings)
- Seed Treatment:
- Soak in warm water for 6–8 hours before sowing.
- Optional: wrap soaked seeds in moist tissue and keep in warm shaded area for 1–2 days for faster sprouting.
- Germination Time: 5–10 days
- Ideal Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
- Soil Type: Light sandy loam or well-draining compost mix
- Why: Prevents damping-off and root rot; allows oxygen flow.
- Planting Depth: 0.5 cm deep
- Sunlight During Germination: Indirect light; move to bright area after sprouting.
- Container: Seed trays, recycled cups, or egg trays with drainage holes.
Transplanting
- When to Transplant: 3–4 weeks after sowing (4–6 true leaves)
- Spacing Between Plants:
- Determinant (bushy): 40 cm apart
- Indeterminate (vining): 60 cm apart, 80 cm between rows
- How Deep: Transplant up to first set of leaves (bury lower stem to promote more roots).
- Best Time: Late afternoon or cloudy day.
- Water After Transplanting: Immediately to reduce stress.
- Sun Requirement: Full sun (6–8 hours/day)
Growth & Soil Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun needed for healthy flowering and fruiting.
- Watering:
- Daily in dry months; keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal disease.
- Drainage: Ensure excess water can escape; raised beds or pots preferred.
- Mulching: Apply dried grass, rice hull, or coconut husk chips to maintain moisture and prevent weed growth.
- Temperature Range: 22–30°C (optimum for fruit set).
- Soil Structure: Light, crumbly, nutrient-rich.
Fertilizer Needs
| Growth Stage | Fertilizer Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|
| Seedling | Vermicast tea or diluted compost juice | Every 1–2 weeks | Root & leaf development |
| Vegetative (Growing) | Nitrogen-rich (e.g., fish amino acid, fermented plant juice) | Every 2 weeks | Leaf & stem growth |
| Pre-flowering | Balanced (10-10-10 or 14-14-14) | Every 2–3 weeks | Strengthen branches |
| Fruiting Stage | High phosphorus & potassium (e.g., bone meal, banana peel tea, 0-10-10) | Every 2 weeks | Fruit size, color, sweetness |
⚠️ Tip: Avoid excess nitrogen after flowering—causes too many leaves, fewer fruits.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Remove suckers: Cut small shoots growing between main stem and leaf joint to focus energy on fruits.
- Stake or trellis: Use bamboo poles or strings to support vines.
- Trim lower leaves: Prevent soil splash and fungal spread.
- Top pruning: When plant reaches 1–1.5 m, cut top to limit height and encourage side fruiting.
- Remove old flowers/fruits: To promote continuous production.
Common Pests & Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Prevention / Organic Treatment |
|---|
| Aphids / Whiteflies | Curling, sticky leaves | Spray neem oil or garlic-soap solution |
| Tomato hornworm | Large green caterpillar eating leaves | Hand-pick; attract birds or beneficial insects |
| Spider mites | Yellow specks, webbing under leaves | Mist with water, apply neem or chili spray |
| Leaf curl virus | Twisted leaves, stunted growth | Remove infected plants; control whiteflies |
| Fungal leaf spot / blight | Brown or black leaf spots | Use copper-based fungicide or compost tea spray |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage; avoid overwatering |
🟢 Companion Plants: Basil, marigold, onion, garlic — repel pests & improve flavor.
🔴 Avoid Near: Potato, eggplant, pepper (same pest family).
Flowering & Fruiting
- Days to Flower: 30–45 days after transplanting
- Days to Harvest:
- Cherry Tomato: 60–70 days from transplanting
- Large Fruit Varieties: 80–100 days
- Pollination: Self-pollinating but improved by bees or wind.
- Fruit Maturity:
- Green = immature
- Orange = early ripe
- Deep red = fully ripe and sweetest flavor
- Harvest Tip: Twist gently or use scissors; harvest every 3–5 days for continuous yield.
Growth Conditions & Lifespan
- Lifespan: 6–8 months productive; up to 1 year for cherry tomatoes.
- Roots: Must not stay waterlogged — prone to rot.
- Soil: Slightly sandy loam, rich in compost.
- Humidity: Moderate (avoid constant rain).
- Temperature: Best at 22–30°C; below 18°C or above 35°C reduces fruiting.
- Propagation by Cutting: Yes — cut 15–20 cm healthy sucker, plant directly in moist soil; roots form in 7–10 days.
Best & Worst Planting Months (Philippine Climate)
| Season | Months | Recommendation |
|---|
| Dry Season (Amihan) | November – April | ✅ Best period — less fungal issues, strong growth |
| Rainy Season (Habagat) | June – October | ⚠️ Risk of leaf disease and fruit cracking; use roofed containers or greenhouses |
Additional Tips
- Companion Plants: Basil, marigold, onion, chives — deter pests and improve taste.
- Pollination Boost: Tap flowers gently every morning to release pollen.
- Rotate Crops: Don’t plant tomatoes in the same spot every year to avoid soil disease buildup.
- Container Growing: Use pots 30–40 cm deep with drainage holes.
- Mulch Well: Keeps fruits from touching soil (prevents rot).
- Seed Saving: Dry seeds from ripe fruits, store in a paper envelope for next season (good for 3–5 years).