Tomato Planting
Fruit Farming in South Africa

Propagation

Tomatoes are propagated from seed, either by raising and transplanting seedlings or by direct seeding. 

©Louise Brodie

Seedlings are raised in seedbeds and transplanted to the field. Transplanting is preferable if hybrid seeds are used, particularly for early plantings when producing for the fresh market.

Seedlings are usually ready for transplanting three to four weeks after sowing and they should be transplanted on moist soil. Direct seeding is usually done if the crop is for processing or mechanical harvesting.

Sowing Time

Area: Cool Ideal time: October Possible time: September - November Area: Warm Ideal time: September - November Possible time: August - December Area: Hot Ideal time: February - July Possible time: January - June

Population

12 000 to 16 000 plants per hectare

Plant Spacing

300 mm to 500 mm between plants 1.5 m to 2.5 m between rows

Growth Period

Usually around 90 days to first harvest with a picking season of about 80 days.By Louise Brodie