At a Glance
Tomatoes , a basic in many gardens and kitchens , are a versatile and delicious crop . However , if you ’re new to gardening or plainly want to check you ’re growing the right-hand plant , hump how to identify atomato plantis crucial . Thiscomprehensive guidewill bring home the bacon you with all the necessary information toconfidently recognize tomato plantsin your garden .
Physical Characteristics
Leaves
Tomato leaves are compound , entail they are carve up into humble folder . Eachleaf consistsof 5 - 9 folder that aretypically ovalor lance - mold . Theupper surfaceof the parting is usually drear green and somewhat crease , while the underside is lighter in people of color and has small hair’s-breadth .
Stems
love apple stems are typically green and hairy , with azigzag pattern . They are hollow and can grow up to 6 feet tall . As theplant matures , the radical may develop a woody texture .
Flowers
Tomato bloom are small and yellow , with five petals that are fused at the base . They typically come along in clusters of 5 - 10 . The flower have both manful andfemale reproductive parts , making them ego - productive .
Fruits
Of of course , the mostdistinctive featureof a tomato plant is its fruits . Tomatoes aretypically roundor ellipse , with a liquid orslightly ribbed surface . They can straddle in color from immature to yellow-bellied , orange , or red , depending on the variety .
Growth Habits
Tomato works are undetermined , meaning they will go on to grow andproduce fruituntil killed by frost or disease . They can produce up to 6 feet magniloquent and spread 2 - 3 foot wide .
Varieties
There are century oftomato varietiesavailable , each with its ownunique characteristics . Some popular varieties let in :
Environmental Requirements
tomato plant plants thrive in warm , sunny condition . They need well - drained soil with a pH of 6.0 - 6.8 . They areheavy feedersand need unconstipated fertilization .
Troubleshooting
Yellowing Leaves
yellow farewell can be a sign of several problems , including nutrient deficiencies , overwatering , or disease .
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot is aphysiological disorderthat induce the bottom of thetomato fruitto rot . It is triggered by a calcium insufficiency .
Early Blight
other blight is afungal diseasethat causesbrown spotson the farewell and stem of tomato plants .
The Bottom Line
Identifying tomato plant is essential forsuccessful cultivation . By understanding theirphysical characteristics , growth habits , and environmental requirements , you could ensure that yourtomato plant thrivein your garden and provide you with a bountiful harvest home .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How can I severalise the difference between atomato plantand a tater plant?A : Potato plantshave compound leaves with 7 - 9 leaflets , whiletomato plantshave compound leave-taking with 5 - 9 pamphlet . to boot , potato plants produce genus Tuber underground , while tomato plants produce fruits above ground . Q : Can Igrow tomato plantsfrom seed?A : Yes , you cangrow tomato plantsfrom cum . Start theseeds indoors6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date . Q : How often should I water tomato plants?A : Water tomato plants deeply and on a regular basis , specially during blistering , dry weather . fend off overwatering , as this can lead to root bunk . Q : How can Iprevent pestsand diseases in my love apple plants?A : Use disease - resistant varieties , rotate your harvest , andpractice good garden sanitationtoprevent pestsand disease . Q : How long does it take for tomatoes to ripen?A : The time it takes for tomatoes toripen dependson the variety andgrowing term . loosely , it read 60 - 80 day from constitute to harvest .