Description
Botanical name
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Spacing
When planting outdoors, space tomato plants approximately 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.
Depth
Plant tomato seeds or seedlings at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-12 mm) in the soil.
Sun & Soil Requirements
– Tomato – Taxi requires full sun, preferably 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
– They thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Indoors
Tomato seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Use seed starting trays or pots with a good quality seed starting mix.
Outdoors
Transplant tomato seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed up. In eastern Canada, this is typically around late May or early June.
Germination Time
Tomato seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.
Companion planting
Tomato – Taxi can be grown alongside herbs like basil, chives, and mint. Avoid planting them near other nightshade family plants like potatoes and peppers.
Watering requirements
Tomatoes generally require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) of water per week, provided through a combination of rainfall and supplemental watering.
Fertilizer requirements
Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide organic nutrients. During the growing season, you can use balanced organic fertilizers or compost tea every 3-4 weeks to support healthy growth.
Pests
Common pests that may affect tomatoes include aphids, tomato hornworms, and fungal diseases like blight. To manage pests organically, you can use methods such as handpicking, applying neem oil, or using natural predators like ladybugs.
Timing
Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Growing
Provide support for tomato plants using stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the vines upright. Regularly prune or pinch off suckers (small side shoots) to promote better airflow and focus energy on fruit production.
Harvest tips
Tomato – Taxi is ready for harvest when the fruits turn a uniform red color and are firm but slightly soft when gently squeezed. Harvest by gently twisting or cutting the stem above the fruit.
Season tolerance
Tomato – Taxi is typically considered a mid-season variety. It requires a warm growing season with adequate sunlight and temperatures for optimal growth and fruit production.
