BEST GUIDE TO GROW TOMATOES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Tomatoes are a beloved staple in South African cuisine, and cultivating your own tomato plants can be a rewarding endeavor. However, achieving maximum yields and exceptional taste requires a comprehensive approach. In this extensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of tomato cultivation, specifically tailored to South African conditions. From selecting the ideal months to sow to harvesting techniques, pollination strategies, and the best practices for fertilizer application, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on this journey to master the art of growing tomatoes.

Section 1: Best Months to Sow in South Africa

Selecting the appropriate time to sow your tomato seeds or transplant seedlings is crucial for successful cultivation. South Africa’s diverse climate means that the optimal planting months vary by region. Here’s a region-specific breakdown:

Cape Town and Western Cape

In the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, the ideal time to begin sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings is during early spring, typically between August and September. These months offer a balance between warming temperatures and reduced frost risk, setting the stage for healthy plant development.

Gauteng and Highveld Regions

Gauteng and the Highveld regions experience slightly different conditions. For these areas, it’s advisable to start sowing in late winter to early spring, around July to August. This timeframe ensures that your tomato plants establish themselves before the full onset of spring.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a subtropical climate with milder winters. Here, you can commence sowing seeds from late winter through early spring, approximately from July to September. These months provide an optimal balance between warmth and moisture.

Eastern Cape

In the Eastern Cape, specifically in regions like Port Elizabeth, it’s recommended to begin sowing in late winter to early spring, typically between July and August. This timing aligns with the gradual warming of temperatures in the area.

Section 2: Sowing Tomatoes Seeds

Planting Depth

When sowing tomato seeds, it’s essential to place them at the correct depth in the soil. The ideal planting depth for tomato seeds is approximately 0.5 to 1.0 centimeters. This shallow depth allows the seeds to access adequate moisture and warmth for germination while preventing them from being buried too deeply, which can hinder their ability to sprout.

Spacing Between Plants

Proper spacing between tomato plants is crucial for healthy growth and optimal yield. The recommended spacing between tomato plants depends on the growth habit of the variety you’re planting:

• Determinate Varieties: For determinate varieties (those that grow to a specific height and stop), spacing should be approximately 45 to 60 centimeters apart. This spacing provides enough room for each plant to develop without crowding.
• Indeterminate Varieties: Indeterminate varieties (those that continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season) require more space. Aim for a spacing of approximately 60 to 90 centimeters between plants to accommodate their larger size and extensive growth.

Planting Process

Prepare the Soil: Begin by preparing the planting area. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance fertility.

1. Create Furrows or Rows: Depending on your preferred planting method (furrows or rows), create evenly spaced furrows or dig trenches where you intend to plant your tomato seeds.
2. Plant the Seeds: Place tomato seeds at the recommended depth within the furrows or trenches. Space them according to the guidelines provided earlier, depending on the growth habit of the variety.
3. Cover and Water: Gently cover the seeds with soil and water the planting area thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and initiate the germination process.
4. Mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the planted area helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weed growth.

Section 3: Sowing Tomato Seedlings

Transplanting Depth

If you choose to transplant tomato seedlings rather than sowing seeds directly, it’s essential to plant them at the correct depth. The planting depth for tomato seedlings should be deep enough to encourage strong root development while providing stability to the young plants. Here’s how to transplant tomato seedlings:

1. Prepare the Planting Holes: Dig planting holes in your garden bed or chosen containers. These holes should be deep enough to bury the tomato seedlings up to their first set of true leaves. This means that the seedlings will be partially submerged in the soil.
2. Remove Seedlings from Containers: Gently remove the tomato seedlings from their nursery containers, being careful not to damage the roots.
3. Plant Seedlings: Place each seedling in a planting hole, ensuring that the stem is buried up to the first set of true leaves. This buried stem encourages the development of additional roots, making the plants more robust.
4. Fill and Firm Soil: Fill the planting holes with soil and lightly firm it around the seedlings. Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Spacing Between Seedlings

Just like with direct-sown seeds, the spacing between tomato seedlings depends on the variety’s growth habit:

• Determinate Varieties: Space determinate tomato seedlings approximately 45 to 60 centimeters apart to provide ample room for growth.
• Indeterminate Varieties: Indeterminate tomato seedlings need more space due to their larger size and extended growth. Aim for a spacing of approximately 60 to 90 centimeters between seedlings.

Section 4: Best Climate Conditions

Tomatoes thrive within specific temperature ranges, and understanding these conditions is vital for successful cultivation in South Africa. The optimal climate conditions for tomatoes are as follows:

Daytime Temperatures

Tomatoes generally thrive when daytime temperatures range between 21°C and 27°C. This temperature range allows for robust growth and optimal photosynthesis.

Nighttime Temperatures

Cooler nights with temperatures around 15°C to 18°C are favorable for tomato pollination and fruit setting. These moderate nighttime temperatures promote healthy fruit development.

Frost

Tomatoes are highly sensitive to frost, and exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plants. If your region experiences frost, it’s essential to protect your tomato plants with appropriate coverings or shelters during colder periods.

In South Africa, these temperature conditions are typically met during the spring and summer months, aligning with the recommended planting times mentioned earlier. However, consider utilizing microclimates, greenhouses, or row covers if you’re in an area prone to frost or experiencing extreme temperature variations.

Section 5: Expected Yield per Variety

The expected yield per tomato plant can vary significantly based on factors such as care, climate, and the specific tomato variety. Below, we provide a general estimate for popular tomato varieties in South Africa, including their pros and cons:

Big Beef

Best for Free State Planting: Big Beef tomatoes can thrive in the Free State region, which experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Pros:

• Large, flavorful fruits ideal for slicing.
• High yield potential.
• Good disease resistance.

Cons:

• Determinate growth habit may limit harvest duration.

Expected Yield: On average, you can expect a yield of 20 to 25 kilograms per Big Beef tomato plant.

Disease Susceptibility: Susceptible to early and late blight.

Disease Control: Use disease-resistant varieties, implement proper crop rotation, and practice good sanitation to reduce disease risk.

Moneymaker

• Breeder: Heirloom variety
• Best Planting Regions: Versatile and can be grown in various South African regions, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
• Pros:
  • Good flavor and texture for salads and sandwiches.
  • Reliable and consistent yield.
  • Indeterminate growth for extended harvest.
• Cons:
  • Moderate disease resistance.
• Expected Yield: Moneymaker tomato plants can yield approximately 15 to 20 kilograms per plant.
• Disease Susceptibility: Susceptible to tomato mosaic virus.
• Disease Control: Plant virus-free seeds and control aphid vectors.
• Marglobe

Best Planting Regions: Thrives in regions with mild to warm temperatures, commonly grown in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Pros:

• Well-balanced flavor suitable for various culinary uses.
• High yield potential.
• Good disease resistance.

Cons:

• Determinate growth habit may limit harvest duration.

Expected Yield: Marglobe tomato plants can yield approximately 20 to 25 kilograms per plant.

Disease Susceptibility: Susceptible to blossom end rot.

Disease Control: Maintain consistent soil moisture and provide adequate calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

Cherry Sweetie

Best Planting Regions: Thrives in regions with warm to hot climates, including Gauteng, Limpopo, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Pros:

• Sweet and juicy cherry-sized fruits.
• High yield potential.
• Indeterminate growth for continuous harvest.

Cons:

• Smaller fruit size may not be suitable for all culinary uses.

Expected Yield: Cherry Sweetie tomato plants can yield around 10 to 15 kilograms per plant.

Disease Susceptibility: Generally resistant to many common tomato diseases.

Disease Control: Monitor for pests and apply organic controls as needed.

Sungold Cherry

• Best planting regions: Sungold cherry tomatoes are well-suited for the Free State and Western Cape, which has a continental climate with cold winters and warm to hot summers.
• Pros:
  • Sweet and flavorful small fruits.
  • Prolific fruit production.
  • Indeterminate growth for continuous harvest.
• Cons:
  • Small fruit size may not be suitable for all culinary uses.
• Expected Yield: Sungold cherry tomato plants can yield around 10 to 15 kilograms per plant.
• Disease Susceptibility: Susceptible to tomato mosaic virus.
• Disease Control: Plant virus-free seeds and control aphid vectors.

Roma (Plum) Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes can be successfully grown in several provinces across South Africa. They are well-suited for regions with warm to temperate climates. Here are the provinces where Roma tomatoes are typically suited:

Gauteng: Gauteng, including areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria, provides favorable conditions for Roma tomatoes due to its warm to hot summers and relatively mild winters.

Limpopo: Limpopo, with its warm and subtropical climate, is well-suited for Roma tomatoes. The province’s long growing season and favorable temperatures support good tomato production.

North West: The North West province, characterized by a warm and temperate climate, offers suitable conditions for Roma tomato cultivation.

Mpumalanga: Mpumalanga’s climate, which includes warm summers and mild winters, is conducive to growing Roma tomatoes.

These provinces provide the necessary temperature and climate conditions for Roma tomatoes to thrive. However, it’s important to consider local microclimates, soil quality, and specific growing practices to ensure the best results when cultivating Roma tomatoes in South Africa. Additionally, proper care, including disease control and irrigation, is crucial for successful tomato cultivation in any region.

• Pros:
  • Ideal for sauces and canning due to their meaty texture.
  • Prolific fruit production.
  • Determinate growth habit simplifies harvest.
• Cons:
  • Less suitable for fresh eating compared to other varieties.
  • Concentrated harvest over a shorter period.

Roma tomato plants typically yield between 6.8 to 9.1 kg of fruit per plant. Their concentrated harvest makes them suitable for canning and preserving.

Disease Susceptibility: Resistant to some diseases but can be affected by leaf spot diseases.

Disease Control: Maintain good air circulation and remove infected leaves promptly.

Yellow Pear

Best Planting Regions: Suitable for regions with warm and sunny climates, including parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, and especially Northern Cape.

Pros:

• Unique, sweet, and mild flavor.
• Attractive pear-shaped fruits.
• Indeterminate growth for continuous harvest.

Cons:

• Smaller fruit size may not be suitable for all culinary uses.

Expected Yield: Yellow Pear tomato plants can yield approximately 10 to 15 kilograms per plant.

Disease Susceptibility: Generally resistant to many common tomato diseases.

Disease Control: Monitor for pests and apply organic controls as needed.

Pearson

Best Planting Regions: Suitable for a wide range of South African regions, including parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and especially the Western Cape.

Pros:

• Excellent flavor for salads and sandwiches.
• Good yield potential.
• Indeterminate growth for continuous harvest.

Cons:

• Requires consistent care to maximize yield.
• Expected Yield: Pearson tomato plants can yield approximately 15 to 20 kilograms per plant.

Disease Susceptibility: Generally resistant to many common tomato diseases.

Disease Control: Monitor for pests and apply organic controls as needed.

Looking at the varieties above, the following are determinate and undeterminate varieties:

Determinate Varieties:

• Big Beef
• Roma (Plum) Tomatoes
• Yellow Pear

Indeterminate Varieties:

• Moneymaker
• Marglobe
• Cherry Sweetie
• Sungold Cherry
• Pearson

Determinate varieties tend to have a more compact growth habit and produce fruit over a relatively shorter period, making them suitable for determinate harvesting. Indeterminate varieties, on the other hand, have a more sprawling growth habit and continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, making them suitable for continuous or indeterminate harvesting.

Determinate varieties (including bush varieties) reach a certain plant height and then stop growing. The majority of their fruit matures within a month or two and appears at the ends of the branches.

Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower, and set fruit until killed by the first frost in fall. Accordingly, the harvest from indeterminate varieties often extends over a 2 or 3 month period. Yields are generally heavier than determinate types, but are usually later to mature.

Section 6: Pollination Techniques

Tomatoes require pollination to set fruit successfully. While tomatoes are typically self-pollinating, it’s still essential to understand pollination techniques and potential challenges:

Self-Pollination

Tomato flowers have both male (stamens) and female (pistils) reproductive parts within the same flower. This structure allows for self-pollination when the flowers are shaken by the wind or gently tapped. However, factors such as extreme heat or humidity can inhibit the natural pollination process.

To encourage self-pollination:

1. Shake the Plants: Gently shaking the tomato plants daily can help dislodge pollen and promote self-pollination.
2. Hand Pollination: In situations where natural pollination is insufficient, you can perform hand pollination. Use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the stamens to the pistils of each flower.
3. Bee-Friendly Garden: Attracting pollinators like bees to your garden can enhance natural pollination rates.
4. Avoid Overhead Watering: Overhead watering during the flowering period can wash away pollen. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the flowers dry.

Section 7: Care and Maintenance of Tomato Plants

Caring for tomato plants is essential to ensure healthy growth and maximum yield. Here are key aspects to consider:

Watering

Consistent and adequate watering is crucial for tomato plants. Tomatoes require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Be mindful of the following watering practices:

• Deep Watering: Water deeply to encourage root growth. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent choices for delivering water directly to the root zone.
• Avoid Overhead Watering: Overhead watering can lead to foliage diseases. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry.
• Mulch: Apply organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training tomato plants are essential for optimizing airflow, reducing disease risk, and supporting fruit development. Here’s how to do it:

• Remove Suckers: Suckers are new growth that appears between the main stem and leaf branches. Pinch off or prune these suckers to encourage the plant to put its energy into fruit production.
• Stake or Cage: Provide support for indeterminate varieties by staking or using cages. This prevents sprawling and keeps the fruit off the ground.
• Prune Lower Leaves: Prune the lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Be

Disease Prevention and Pest Control

Tomatoes are susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect yield and plant health. Implement the following measures for disease prevention and pest control:

• Rotate Crops: Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of soilborne diseases. Avoid planting tomatoes in the same location year after year.
• Use Disease-Resistant Varieties: Consider planting tomato varieties bred for disease resistance, such as those resistant to common problems like fusarium wilt or verticillium wilt.
• Monitor for Pests: Regularly inspect your tomato plants for signs of pests like aphids, hornworms, or whiteflies. Early detection allows for prompt intervention.
• Organic Pest Control: Utilize organic pest control methods, such as releasing beneficial insects or applying neem oil or insecticidal soap when necessary.

Fertilization

Proper fertilization is essential for healthy tomato plants and maximum yield. Here are key considerations:

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies. South African soils vary, and a soil test provides guidance on the specific needs of your garden.
• Balanced Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal or close-to-equal ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For example, a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer is suitable for tomatoes.
• Application Timing: Apply fertilizer at the right time. Start with a balanced starter fertilizer at planting and then provide additional nutrients during the growing season. Follow recommended rates on the fertilizer package.
• Organic Options: Consider organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and provide nutrients to your tomato plants.

Mulching

Mulching offers several benefits for tomato plants:

• Moisture Retention: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering.
• Weed Suppression: A layer of mulch inhibits weed growth, which can compete with your tomato plants for nutrients and water.
• Temperature Regulation: Mulch regulates soil temperature, keeping it cooler in hot weather and warmer in cooler weather.
• Fruit Protection: Mulch creates a barrier between the soil and the fruit, reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases and keeping the fruit clean.

Section 8: Harvesting Tomatoes

Knowing when and how to harvest tomatoes is crucial to ensure the best flavor and quality. Here are some tips:

• Harvest at Peak Ripeness: Tomatoes should be harvested when they reach peak ripeness. They should be fully colored, firm but not hard, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
• Use Pruning Shears: To avoid damaging the plant, use pruning shears or scissors to snip the stem above the fruit. Don’t pull the fruit from the plant.
• Harvest Frequently: Harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage continued fruit production. Leaving overripe or rotting fruit on the plant can attract pests and diseases.
• Handle with Care: Handle harvested tomatoes gently to prevent bruising or damage. Store them in a cool, dark place or use them promptly.

Section 9: Common Tomato Problems and Solutions

Tomatoes can face various issues during the growing season. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Blossom End Rot: This condition is characterized by dark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit. It’s often caused by calcium deficiency or irregular watering. Ensure consistent moisture and consider adding calcium-rich amendments to the soil.
• Fusarium or Verticillium Wilt: These soilborne diseases can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Plant disease-resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid planting in contaminated soil.
• Hornworms: Large green caterpillars, known as hornworms, can devour tomato foliage. Handpick them and consider introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps.
• Aphids: Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can distort plant growth and spread diseases. Use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes in South Africa offers a delightful experience for gardeners and a bounty of fresh, flavorful fruit for your table. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you can maximize your tomato yields, enjoy a variety of delicious tomato varieties, and overcome common challenges along the way. Remember that successful tomato cultivation requires patience, attention to detail, and a love for nurturing these vibrant plants from seed to harvest. Happy tomato growing!