Posted on March 6, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Tomatoes are a beloved garden staple with various flavors, sizes, and uses. We understand the importance of proper tomato cultivation at Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas. Let’s explore the world of tomatoes, focusing on groupings, planting techniques, variety selection, disease resistance, and harvest timing.

Tomato: Groupings

When it comes to tomatoes, groupings play a crucial role in successful cultivation. Tomato groupings are categorized based on growth habits, fruit size, and intended use, offering your garden a fascinating array of options.

The two main growth habits are determinate and indeterminate. Determinate tomatoes grow to specific heights, producing fruits all at once, making them ideal for canning. Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes grow and produce fruits throughout the season, perfect for those who enjoy a steady supply of fresh tomatoes.

Another way to consider tomato groupings is by fruit size. Cherry tomatoes, paste tomatoes, and sliced tomatoes are common categories. Each group has its unique characteristics and culinary applications. Understanding how tomatoes are grouped can help you plan your garden more effectively and choose the right varieties for your needs.

Planting Techniques

Proper planting is essential for healthy tomato plants. When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, providing the right conditions is crucial. Whether growing tomatoes in a greenhouse or outdoors, this knowledge will equip you for a successful cultivation journey.

The ideal temperature for tomato growth is between 70°F and 80°F (21-27°C). You can start sowing seeds in late February or early March if you have a heated greenhouse. For unheated greenhouses, it’s best to start indoors and move the plants out in April after the last frost.

When transplanting tomatoes outdoors, plant them deep enough to cover 2/3 of the plant stem, at least up to the second set of true leaves. That encourages strong root development. However, for container growing, you should use a 7 1/2-gallon bag or bucket for two plants or a 3- or 4-gallon container for a single plant.

Variety Selection

Choosing the right tomato varieties can significantly impact your gardening success. When selecting your tomato varieties, you should consider factors such as climate, intended use, and personal preference.

Some popular disease-resistant hybrids include ‘Big Daddy,’ ‘Early Girl,’ ‘Rutgers,’ and ‘Sungold.’ These varieties resist common tomato diseases while providing excellent flavor and yield.

Disease Resistance

Disease resistance is a crucial factor in tomato cultivation. The reassurance of disease-resistant varieties, bred to resist common diseases such as Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and tobacco mosaic virus, provides a strong foundation for your tomato-growing success.

When selecting tomato varieties, look for disease resistance codes on the plant labels or seed packets. For example, ‘VF’ indicates resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt, while ‘VFNT’ adds resistance to nematodes and tobacco mosaic virus.

Some highly disease-resistant varieties include ‘Better Boy,’ ‘Celebrity,’ and ‘Big Beef.’ Tomato groupings protect against multiple diseases, ensuring a healthier crop and higher yields.

Time to Harvest

From the time you plant your tomatoes to the time you harvest, it can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. Most tomato varieties take between 60 to 100 days to reach maturity. Determinate varieties typically produce fruit all at once, while indeterminate varieties continue to produce throughout the growing season.

Count backward from your usual frost date to determine the best planting time. Most varieties take between 90-120 days to fruit. In a greenhouse setting, you can extend the growing season and potentially harvest tomatoes almost year-round, as long as you maintain proper temperature and light conditions.
At Van Becelaere Greenhouse, we’re committed to helping you succeed in your tomato-growing endeavors. By understanding tomato groupings, implementing proper planting techniques, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and planning for harvest time, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful tomato crop. Whether you’re a seasoned home gardener or just starting, the world of tomatoes offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.