Garden Help > Vegetables

Tomatoes are warm weather plants in the Solanaceae family, along with peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Most tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning that the vines will keep growing to 6 feet or more. Some tomatoes are determinate, meaning they will stop growing at a short height, possibly 3 to 4 feet tall.

Cultural tips for growing tomatoes, UC IPM

Planting

• Transplant 24 inches apart in May to June, possibly April, depending on weather and local conditions.
• For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 70°F.
• If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 6 weeks before you want to plant.
• Cage or stake plants to support expected growth. Indeterminate varieties can grow 6 feet tall or more.
• Water regularly but not excessively.
• Overfertilization may result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Harvesting

• Harvest tomatoes when fully colored and beginning to soften.
• In July to October, depending on the variety.

Pest management

Tomato pests and disorders, UC IPM

More links

• Video: Planting Tall Tomato Seedlings [5:26]
• Video: Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes [1:28]
• Video: Growing Tomatoes and Peppers Successfully[1:29:28]
• Video: Seed Saving at the 2025 Tomato Trial [2:15]
• Video: Tomato Trial Open House 2025 [1:08]
• Video: Tomato Troubles! Common Tomato Problems in the Home Garden [55 min]
• Growing Great Tomatoes
• High-Density Tomato Growing
• Tomato Tips

Recommended varieties for Santa Clara County*

Classic: Black from Tula, Carmello, Dona, Early Girl, Gold Medal, Lime Green, Orange Strawberry, Santa Clara Canner, Stupice

Beefsteak: Aunt Ginny’s Purple, Aunt Ruby’s Green, Big Rainbow, Brandywine from Croatia, Cuostralee, Ed’s Millennium, Ernie’s Plump, Ernie’s Round, Green Giant, Hillbilly, Russian 117, Stump of the World

Cherry: Black Cherry, Chadwick, Galinas, Sungold, Sugary, Sun Sugar, Sweet 100, Sweet Chelsea

Paste: Amish Gold, Amish Paste, Jersey Devil, Opalka, Principe Borghese

Also, see our list of Spring Garden Fair Tomato varieties.

* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.