Climate

• Tomato is a day neutral plant and requires a relatively long growing season with plenty of sunshine and moderate day temperature of 20-28^oC.
• It is sensitive to frost. Under low temperature, the plant growth is restricted and fruit setting is poor.
• Cool and dry weather is preferred by the crop and optimum temperature is 21-28^oC during day and 15-20^oC during night. Night temperature is more critical than day temperature.
• Optimum temperature for colour development of fruit is 21-24^oC. Development of lycopene pigment will be hampered above 27^oC.
• Seed germination and pollen germination are adversely affected below 10^oC.

Soil

• Tomato can be grown in almost all types of soils.
• However, it cannot withstand water logging. Hence well drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is preferred.
• It is moderately tolerant to acid soil having pH 5.5 and ideal pH requirement is 6-7.