Plant Research

Lycopersicon verduras Heirloom Tomato Plant

1. Classification
Kingdom

Phylum

Order

Plantae

Anthrophyta/ Solanales
Tracheophyta

Class

Family

Genus

Species

Magnoliopsid
a

Solanaceae

Lycopersicon

verduras

2. Information/characteristics about this plant

Tomato plants are vines, and dicots, growing as a series of branching stems. The tomato fruit is
classified as a berry.

3. Other plants in its Family of plants

Other plants in its family are potatoes, eggplants, and nightshade.

4. Determine its requirements

a. Nutritional needs - soil recommendations, nutrients, and water
Loam soils are best for tomatoes, although a tomato can grow in all but heavy clay soils. It also
needs a fairly equal ratio of nutrients, needing the same amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Seedlings requires enough water in that the soil dries in 24 hours. Tomatoes in containers requires enough
water in that the soil only starts feeling dry one inch in.

b. Space - appropriate planting spacing and depth

Once grown, there should be 3 to 4 feet between plants.

c. Level of sunlight
8 hours of sunlight is best when growing tomatoes.
d. Germination time
Germination time is around 5 to 10 days.
e. Days to bear fruit
Tomatoes bear fruit around 40 to 50 days
5. Mode of reproduction and any developmental stages the plant might go through (include a
visual)
Stage 1: Seedlings grow, transplant required once they grow up to 6 to 10 inches.
Stage 2: Size doubles, reaching 12 to 18 inches, and begins to develop new stems and flower buds.
Stage 3: A flush of flowers occurs, producing the remainder of the tomatoes.
Stage 4: Development of first fruit, which is green. It takes 40 to 50 days for it to change color.

6. What pest might feed on this plant Identify 3 should you watch for:
Aphids, cutworms, and flea beetles are three known tomato pests.