🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Tomatoes are primarily grown for their edible fruit, which can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into sauces, juices, and preserves. They are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Different cultivars offer varying flavors, sizes, and colors, suitable for diverse culinary applications. Tomatoes are beneficial in permaculture gardens as they can attract beneficial insects and can be used as a ground cover to suppress weeds. Companion planting with basil, marigolds, and carrots can enhance growth and deter pests.
Permapeople description
Lycopersicum esculentum is a synonym for Solanum lycopersicum, the scientific name for the tomato plant.
Botanical description
Lycopersicum esculentum, commonly known as the tomato, is a herbaceous, usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae family. It is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual. It typically grows 1–3 meters (3–10 feet) in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, 10–25 centimeters (4–10 inches) long, with several leaflets. The flowers are yellow, 1–2 centimeters (0.4–0.8 inches) across, with five pointed lobes on the corolla; they are borne in cymes of 3–12. The fruit is a berry, typically red, orange, yellow, green, or purple, ranging in size from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes. The stem is often hairy. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Companion planting
Favorable companions: Basil, carrots, marigolds, onions, garlic. Unfavorable companions: Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), fennel, potatoes.
Propagation methods
Tomatoes are primarily propagated by seed sowing. Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Cuttings can also be used to propagate tomatoes, particularly suckers or side shoots, which can be rooted in water or directly in soil. Grafting is also practiced, especially for heirloom varieties.
History and traditions
Originating in South America, tomatoes were initially cultivated by indigenous peoples. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century but were initially viewed with suspicion, sometimes considered poisonous. Over time, tomatoes gained acceptance and became a staple food in many cultures. Different cultures have developed unique culinary traditions around tomatoes, such as Italian tomato sauces, Spanish gazpacho, and Mexican salsa.
Usage calendar
Sowing: February-April (indoors), May-June (direct). Planting: May-June. Flowering: June-August. Harvesting: July-October. Pruning: June-September (suckers and excess foliage).