Green guide: Growing tomatoes in Australia

The rich, flavourful juiciness of freshly harvested tomatoes adds a distinctive touch to many meals. Imagine biting into a juicy, sun-ripened tomato, bursting with flavour, plucked fresh from your very own garden. And if it’s summer, you know that it’s tomato-growing season!

Growing your own tomatoes is not only rewarding but also a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce all season long. The key to a successful tomato harvest lies in understanding the best season for growing tomatoes, as different regions have varying climates and growing seasons.

Let’s delve into the world of tomato cultivation and discover the secrets to growing your own bountiful crop.

When is tomato season in Australia?

The tomato plant is partial to warm climates, and summer is the best tomato growing season in most regions.

Experienced gardeners prefer to start growing tomatoes indoors just before summer sets in and then plant them outside once the weather becomes warmer. They then transplant them once the plants have grown a few centimetres in height. Meanwhile, in cooler climates, they should be grown under cover or in a sheltered spot.

But if you’re not such a gardener, just be aware that spring and early summer are typically the tomato season in Australia. With the right timing and care, you can grow tomatoes in your own garden, or even in pots or hanging baskets and troughs.

Planting and harvesting season for tomatoes in Australia

Region	Planting season	Harvest season
New South Wales (North Coast)	Throughout the year	10-12 weeks after planting
New South Wales (Other)	August to September	End of March to April
Australian Capital Territory	August to December	December to end of April
Northern Territory	Top End: April to September	Central Australia: September to December
Queensland (North)	April	Until end of November
Queensland (South East)	Year-round, best in Aug-Sept & Feb-Mar	8-12 weeks after planting
South Australia	August to September	December to end of April
Tasmania	Late October to early December	January to end of April
Victoria	September to October	January to end of April
Western Australia	Perth/Southwest: Aug to December	Northern WA: April to August

Generally, growing tomatoes in Australia can occur all year round for warm climates, August to November for moderate climates, and September to November for cool areas. Here’s a breakdown of each Australian territory in terms of tomato growing season:

• New South Wales (North Coast): Planting can occur throughout the year. Most tomato varieties can be harvested within 10-12 weeks. The tomatoes will take longer to ripen during the colder months than in spring or summer.
• New South Wales (other): Start planting in August or September. Harvest season is until the end of March or April.
• Australian Capital Territory: Planting season is from August to December, and harvest season is from December to the end of April.
• Northern Territory: While challenging, tomatoes can be grown in the NT. In the Top End, the growing season for tomatoes occurs during the dry season (April to September). In Central Australia, plant in spring and early summer (September to December).
• Queensland (North): Start planting in April. Harvest season is until the end of November.
• Queensland (South East): Planting can occur throughout the year, but best results are achieved when planting in August-September and February-March. Most varieties can be harvested within 8–12 weeks.
• South Australia: Planting season starts in August or September. Harvest from December until the end of April.
• Tasmania: Plant from late October to early December. Harvest from January until the end of April.
• Victoria: Planting can start in September or October. Harvest from January until the end of April.
• Western Australia: In Perth and the southwest, plant as early as August until December. In northern WA, plants during the dry season (April to August).

Choosing what tomato plant to grow

While there are a number of different varieties of tomatoes you can grow, some of the most common ones are:

• Grosse Lisse: A favourite in Australia, this variety produces high yields of large, round fruit. It’s well-suited for most Australian climates and is ideal for slicing.
• Big Beef: This award-winning variety offers large, meaty fruit with excellent flavour. It’s heat-tolerant and resistant to many common tomato diseases, making it suitable for warmer regions.
• Improved Apollo: A disease-resistant hybrid that fruits over an extended period. It performs well in both cooler and warmer climates, making it versatile for different Australian regions.
• San Marzano: San Marzano is a leading Italian variety. It produces elongated fruits that are ideal for sauces and preservation, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Roma: This egg-shaped tomato remains a favourite for cooking and making tomato paste. It’s determinate, meaning it grows to a compact size. Roma varieties are great if you want to maximise the space of your small garden.
• Cherry Tomatoes (e.g., Sweet 100, Sungold): These have largely replaced varieties like Small Fry. They produce abundant small, sweet fruit and are excellent for snacking or salads. Many cherry tomato varieties are indeterminate and can grow quite tall, needing support.
• Tiny Tim: This dwarf variety with cherry-sized fruit remains popular for container gardening. It’s perfect for small spaces like vertical gardens and can even be grown indoors with adequate light.

Here’s how to get you started with planting your own tomatoes

Collect a few essential tools before you start your tomato planting exercise. No heavy gardening is involved in growing tomatoes, so all you need are the following basic tools:

• Gloves
• Hand trowel
• Spade
• Rake
• Hoe
• Hose with a rain wand and adjustable nozzle
• Small watering can if you are planning on growing tomatoes in pots

Soil preparation and requirements

Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, prepare your garden bed by digging in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.2-6.8). 

If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider adding gypsum or organic matter to improve its structure. This is similar to the soil requirements of many other plants, including summer blooms like sunflowers.

A professional soil test can help you determine if any additional amendments are needed. A professional gardener may charge you $65 to $85 per hour, depending on where you are in Australia.

Choosing between garden beds, pots, and other containers

Your choice depends on available space and sunlight. Garden beds are ideal for larger varieties since they allow roots to spread freely. Pots or containers are good for those with small spaces or balconies and offer better control over soil conditions. If you have ample garden space, consider planting tomatoes with other indoor plants.

Ensure any container is at least 30cm deep with drainage holes. Raised beds can be a great compromise, providing good drainage and easier access.

Starting from seeds vs seedlings

Starting from seeds gives you more choices and can be more cost-effective, but requires more time and care. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. 

Seedlings, on the other hand, provide a quicker start and are less prone to early-stage problems. They’re a good option if you’re short on time or new to gardening. Whichever you choose, ensure they receive plenty of light to prevent leggy growth.

Transplanting and spacing

When transplanting seedlings, plant them deeper than they were in their original container—up to their first set of leaves. This encourages a stronger root system. Space determinate varieties about 60cm apart, and indeterminate varieties about 90cm apart. 

If you’re planning on planting in rows, leave 1-1.5m between rows. Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide support structures like stakes or cages early on to avoid disturbing established roots later.

Tomato growing tips

Nurturing your tomato plants with proper care will ensure a bountiful harvest. Remember these tips to give your tomatoes proper care. 

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Irregular watering can lead to blossom end rot or fruit splitting.
• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch around your plants. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilising: Start with a balanced fertiliser at planting time. Follow up with a phosphorus-rich fertiliser when flowers appear, then switch to a potassium-rich one as fruits develop.
• Pruning: For indeterminate varieties, remove suckers (shoots growing between the main stem and branches) for better air circulation and fruit production.
• Supporting: Install stakes, cages, or trellises early to support the plants as they grow. This prevents damage to the root system and keeps the fruits off the ground.
• Pest control: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Use organic methods like neem oil or pyrethrum spray for common issues, and consider crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Companion planting: Grow basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums near your tomatoes to drive away pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they’re fully coloured but still firm. Leaving them on the vine too long can attract pests and reduce overall yield.
• Fruit fly management: In areas prone to fruit fly, use exclusion bags on developing fruit or set up pheromone traps to protect your crop.
• End-of-season care: As the season ends, remove any green tomatoes and ripen them indoors. Prepare your garden for winter and clear away plant debris to prevent pests and diseases.

A red, ripe, and ready tomato harvest

Growing your own tomatoes in Australia can be a rewarding experience, but it requires knowing how and when to grow tomatoes. From preparing the soil to choosing the right tomato variety and understanding the local climate, there are many factors to consider.

While you can certainly tackle tomato growing on your own, hiring a local gardener can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Get some advice from your gardener on which varieties will grow best in the area you live in and begin growing tomatoes in your garden.

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FAQs on growing tomatoes

What to grow with tomatoes?

Companion planting can benefit tomatoes. Consider growing some plants that also thrive in warm weather, like basil, marigolds, carrots, onion or garlic. However, avoid planting tomatoes near potatoes and brassicas to avoid them from competing for nutrients and possible infection.

How long does it take a tomato plant to grow?

The time from seed to harvest varies depending on the tomato variety and growing conditions, which influences when to plant tomatoes.

Generally, determinate varieties take about 60–80 days to produce fruit, while indeterminate varieties can take 70–100 days. Some cherry tomato varieties may produce fruit even faster. Factors like temperature, sunlight, water, and soil quality can all affect the growth rate.

What seasons do tomatoes grow in?

Tomatoes are warm-season crops. They grow best in:

• Spring and summer in cooler climates
• Year-round in tropical and subtropical areas
• Autumn and winter in hot regions

How long is the tomato growing season?

The length of the tomato growing season in Australia depends on the variety and climate. Determinate varieties typically produce fruit for 4-6 weeks before tapering off. Indeterminate varieties can continue producing for several months if conditions remain favorable. In ideal climates with mild winters, some indeterminate varieties can even produce year-round. 

However, most gardeners experience a growing season that lasts from late spring through early autumn, roughly 3-5 months in total. 

Remember, these are general guidelines. Local climate, chosen varieties, and care practices will influence your tomato growing experience.