Tomato Growing Guide

CHOOSE YOUR TOMATOES

Tomatoes are a summer staple in Kiwi gardens - perfect for salads, sandwiches, making sauces, or straight off the vine. Whether you’re growing in garden beds, pots, or hanging baskets, there’s a variety to suit every space and taste.

Popular varieties include:

• Money Maker
• Sweet 100
• Heirloom types, such as Black Krim or Mortgage Lifter
• Acid free Roma tomatoes
• Beefsteak - the best for summer sandwiches
• Discover more tomato favourites here > 

Labour Weekend is the traditional planting time in New Zealand, but seedlings are available from August. If growing from seed, start a month earlier to allow time for germination.

PREPARE THE SOIL

• Tomatoes dislike cold soil, so wait until frosts have passed.
• Tomatoes love rich, warm soil and full sun.
• Avoid planting in the same spot as last season’s tomatoes or potatoes to reduce disease risk.
• Prepare your garden bed by mixing Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost into your existing soil.

GET PLANTING

Growing from seed

• Begin indoors in a warm, well-lit area and keep the soil consistently moist. 
• Prepare seed trays with Tui Seed Raising Mix and sow seeds 5mm deep.
• Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots. 
• Keep them inside until the soil warms up and the risk of frost has passed.
• Seedlings will need to be hardened off by gradually moving them outside for a few hours each day over a week, so they get used to the weather before planting them in the garden.

Planting seedlings

• Plant seedlings in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid transplant shock. 
• To reduce transplant shock, soak the seedlings in Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic and allow to drain.
• Select your planting spot and space seedlings out - follow spacing directions on the seed pack or seedling label as it depends upon the variety.
• If you’re planting in the garden add a layer of Tui Tomato Mix;  specifically formulated with extra potassium to encourage a plentiful harvest of big juicy fruit. 
• If you’re planting in pots and containers, make sure it is no smaller than a 5 litre bucket with drainage holes and fill with Tui Tomato Mix.
• Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball, then place seedlings into the planting hole and fill around it.
• Tie plant to stake, water well and maintain regular watering.

FEED AND NOURISH

• Tomatoes are heavy feeders! Feed them regularly to ensure strong growth and a bountiful harvest.
• Choose from a variety of different Tui fertiliser options, depending on what suits you.  
  • Tui Tomato Liquid Superfood is perfect for quick results as plants are able to absorb the nutrients immediately. Suitable for tomatoes growing in pots and containers or in the garden. For best results feed weekly.
  • Tui Vegetable Food is a granular option formulated specifically for veges planted in garden beds. It can be applied every four weeks and is not recommended for pots and containers.
  • Enrich Vege, Tomato & Herb Controlled Release Fertiliser lasts up to six months, making it perfect for gardeners who prefer a ‘feed and forget’ option. It’s also suitable for pots and containers.
  • Tui Performance Organics Tomato & Vegetable Fertiliser pellets are an organic option that can be used both in the garden and in pots and containers.
• Keep soil consistently moist. Well-fed, well-watered plants are more naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
• Keep soil free of weeds and protect roots with Tui Mulch & Feed as the weather cools, or try Tui Pea Straw for a less manicured look.
• Protect from slugs and snails by applying Tui Quash.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to plant tomatoes in New Zealand?

• The ideal time to plant tomatoes in New Zealand is from September to November, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
• Labour Weekend is traditionally considered the prime planting time for tomatoes across the country.

How long do tomatoes take to grow?

• Tomatoes typically take 10–14 weeks to mature after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Most crops are ready to harvest between December and March in New Zealand.

Can I grow tomatoes in pots or containers?

• Tomatoes grow well in containers, especially dwarf or cherry varieties like ‘Russian Red’ or ‘Tumbling Tom’.
• Use a deep pot (at least 30cm), fill with Tui Tomato Mix and ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sun daily. Feed regularly for a bountiful harvest.

Why are my tomato plants not producing fruit?

• Tomato plants may fail to fruit due to lack of sunlight, poor pollination, excessive nitrogen, or inconsistent watering. 
• Ensure your plants get full sun, feed with a balanced fertiliser, and avoid overwatering. 
• Removing side shoots (laterals) can also help redirect energy to fruit production.

Why are the bottoms of my tomatoes turning brown and shrivelling?

• Shrivelled, brown spots on the bottom of your tomatoes are likely caused by blossom end rot.
• This common tomato problem can be caused by inconsistent watering, but is more likely due to a lack of calcium and magnesium.
• Water tomatoes consistently, especially during dry spells.
• Feed with a balanced tomato fertiliser, such as Tui Tomato Liquid Superfood, applied weekly during the growing season.

Discover more advice and inspiration for growing your own tomatoes at the Tomato Hub >