Tomatoes under lights

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
smailliw Grand Junction, CO Mar 25, 2010

I want to try growing tomatoes under light next winter.
Am I right to think I need a non hybrid, indeterminate, 24-36" tomato seed?
Is such a seed available? Thanks

Post #7655203
Quote
Dorkasaurus Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 01, 2010

I would think you'd want a determinate variety unless you have unlimited space to tie up the plant. The only types I've grown indoors were small cherry types, I think you would need a lot of light (and room) to grow larger tomatoes. (I used a 250w hps to supplement one small "tumbler hybrid" plant growing in a south facing window) Herbs, lettuce, and other "leafy" vegetables are pretty easy to grow indoors, even under florescent lights (better for cool season leafy stuff) and I've had decent luck with small pepper plants too.

I guess theoretically you could grow giant tomatoes if you're willing to invest in enough lights but running thousands of watts will be noticeable on your electric bill.

Post #7673018
Quote
Bookerc1 Mackinaw, IL(Zone 5a) Apr 06, 2010

You might be confused about determinate vs indeterminate. A determinate tends to form a more compact, bushy plant that will reach a maximum size and stay there. It will also tend to produce most of its fruit all at once--great for commercial packers and people who want to harvest and can everything at once. An indeterminate will vine and may grow 15-20 feet long if allowed, and will produce less fruit at a time, but over a longer period.

Hope that is helpful!
Angie

Post #7685523
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP