How long does it take to grow tomatoes from seed is a question most gardeners who have done this have asked at least once in their life.
Environmental Factors That Affect How Long It Takes To Grow Tomatoes From Seed
The environment plays a factor in how long it actually takes to grow tomatoes from seed.
This is because rain, drought and of course temperature plays an important role.
Under ideal conditions, tomato seeds can sprout in as little as three days, however it can take up to twelve days for tomato seeds to sprout in some cases.
Of course, if the tomato seeds are planted in less than ideal conditions, that is going to affect germination and delay or even prevent it from happening.
Once the tomato seeds have sprouted, typically it takes six to eight weeks to get them large enough to transplant outdoors.
After that, it takes anywhere from 65 to 85 days before they begin to fruit.
Other Factors That Affect Tomato Seed Germination
Older tomato seeds often take longer to germinate than fresh seed.
Tomato seeds that have not been properly stored might not germinate at all.
This is why I prefer germinating tomato seeds in damp paper towels instead of planting them directly in soil.
This lets me easily see how fast the seeds germinate as well as what percentage of the seeds germinate.
Sometimes seeds are immature, meaning they do not contain all the parts necessary for them to actually germinate.
This is usually caused by someone harvesting and saving the seeds before they are fully mature.
Chemical, insects and plant pathogens also affect germination.
It is common practice for conventional seeds to be treated with insecticides and fungicides.
When this is done incorrectly or when too much is used, it damages the seeds.
Insects and mites are other enemies of seeds and they can get into seeds in storage if the seeds are not stored correctly.
Plant pathogens, or diseases as they are commonly referred to, can either kill the seeds or effect germination.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Tomatoes From Seed In Reality
If you add it all up to figure out exactly how long does it take to grow tomatoes from seed, you come up with anywhere from 110 days to 153 days or longer.
This is why it is best to start seeds indoors under grow lights no later than six weeks before the last frost in your area.
Starting the seeds under grow lights eight weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors is even better.
Just keep in mind, that many factors affect seed germination and the growth of the resulting seedlings, so it is better to start more seeds slightly earlier than to wait until the last minute and plant only what you need.
Growing Tomatoes
How To Grow Tomatoes
Learn how to grow tomatoes and how to plant tomatoes in a garden. Growing great tomatoes is easy if you follow a few simple steps.
Tomato Seed Starting Tips
These tomato seed starting tips are sure to have you successfully raising tomatoes from seed. Growing from seed lets you to grow unique, heirloom varieties.
Heirloom Tomatoes – Varieties For Every Palate, But Where Do You Start?
Do you want to grow non gmo tomatoes in your garden? Choose your color and taste preference then grow your own organic heirloom tomato plants.
Tips For Growing An Abundance Of Heirloom Tomatoes
Non gmo tomatoes started from seed at home are the choice for many gardeners. Learn tips for growing great tomatoes in your own garden.
Grow More Tomatoes With These 8 Organic Gardening Tips
Learn how to grow organic tomatoes with these 8 tips. Then grow more tomatoes that are healthy and delicious right in your own backyard!
Easy To Grow Tomatoes Ideal For Container Gardens
Ever wonder how to grow tomatoes in pots outside? Start with these easy to grow tomatoes that perform well when grown in containers indoors or out!
Control Tomato Pests With These Organic Gardening Tips
These organic gardening tips for controlling pests on tomato plants help you identify, control and get rid of the problem without the use of organic pesticides in most cases.
The Bottom Line On The 3 Tomato Sampler Challenge
The tomato sampler challenge shares my thoughts on how three tomatoes taste and how fast they ripen, plus my thoughts on a fourth one.