Leslie Massey
Growing tomatoes in winter in Australia can be a challenging task due to the cooler climate. However, with the right techniques and variety of tomatoes, it is possible to yield a bountiful harvest. The optimal month for planting cool-weather tomatoes is September, but they can also be planted in late winter and transplanted once the risk of frost has passed. To combat the cooler temperatures, gardeners have found success in creating a warm micro-climate by growing tomatoes in pots on a sunny verandah or utilising a hothouse. Additionally, certain varieties such as 'Stupice' and cherry tomatoes are better suited for cooler climates and can produce fruit until a hard frost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate zone | Tomatoes can be grown in all climate zones in Australia |
| When to grow | In tropical and subtropical climates, they can be grown all year round, but are best in autumn and winter, during the dry season. In temperate, cool and cold climates, sow from spring. |
| Where to grow | Grow tomatoes in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day, in a well-drained garden bed or pot. |
| Growing time | Depending on the climate and variety, tomatoes will be ready to harvest 10-12 weeks after planting. |
| How to harvest | Gently hold the fruit in one hand and twist until the vine snaps. |
| Types of tomatoes | Determinate and indeterminate. Indeterminate tomatoes can grow anywhere between 1.8–3 m tall and require stakes or similar for support. |
| Heirloom tomatoes | Can be either determinate or indeterminate. They are typically passed down through generations and are prized for their rich flavours, unique colours, and varied shapes. |
| Space seedlings | 60 cm apart for smaller growers and up to 1 m for larger varieties. |
| Watering | Water in with a seaweed solution and keep plants evenly moist. Mulch with lucerne hay or pea straw. |
| Feeding | Feed plants monthly with tomato food or pelletised chicken manure. |
| Ripening | Sun-ripened tomatoes taste best. If ripening isn't happening, put the tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana. The banana peel emits ethylene, which speeds up ripening. |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a warm micro-climate, like a verandah or a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day
- Grow in pots or containers to protect plants from bad weather and frost
- Choose cherry tomatoes, which are less susceptible to fungal and pest attacks
- Stake tall varieties at planting time and use tomato cages for support
- Speed up ripening by putting unripe tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana, then placing the bag on a sunny windowsill
Choose a warm micro-climate, like a verandah or a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day
When growing tomatoes in winter in Australia, it's important to choose a warm micro-climate to give your plants the best chance of thriving. This is because tomatoes are technically a subtropical plant and need long hot days to grow.
One way to create a warm micro-climate is to utilise a verandah or a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day. This could be a north-facing wall, which will soak up the most sun during the day and retain some of that heat at night. The pots can sit on the sun-warmed concrete, and the plants can grow up a sun-warmed brick wall, providing extra warmth. This method also allows you to move the plants to follow the sun or protect them from bad weather, such as frost and storms.
If you don't have a verandah, you can create a warm micro-climate by using pots or raised garden beds. The soil in containers will be warmer than that in a garden bed, and a raised bed will also be warmer than planting directly into the ground. You can also bring your plants inside if a frost is forecast, to protect them from the cold.
In addition to warmth, sunlight is also crucial for growing tomatoes. They need at least six hours of sun a day, so ensure your chosen spot receives enough sunlight, especially during the winter months when the days are shorter. If you're concerned about a lack of sunlight, you can always supplement it with grow lights.
By providing a warm micro-climate and ensuring adequate sunlight, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing tasty, sun-ripened tomatoes during the Australian winter.
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Grow in pots or containers to protect plants from bad weather and frost
If you're growing tomatoes in a cooler climate, it's a good idea to use pots or containers to protect your plants from bad weather and frost. This method also allows you to easily move your plants to the sunniest spots.
When choosing a pot or container, make sure it's a decent size for your tomato plant. A minimum diameter of 30 cm is recommended. You can place the pots on a sun-warmed verandah or concrete area, and the plants can grow up a sun-warmed brick wall for support.
If you're growing tomatoes in a cooler climate, it's best to sow your seeds indoors in late winter and then transplant them into pots once the risk of frost has passed. Wait until the seedlings are at least 5 cm tall before transplanting. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day, and use well-drained soil or a raised garden bed to prevent waterlogging.
To enrich the soil in your pots or containers, you can use a soil improver and plant fertiliser. Cover the seeds lightly with a seed-raising mix and water them well. If you're growing from seedlings, plant them a little deeper so that the bottom few centimetres of the tomato stems are covered with soil.
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Choose cherry tomatoes, which are less susceptible to fungal and pest attacks
Cherry tomatoes are a great choice for growing in the Australian winter. Not only do they fare better in cooler temperatures, but they are also less susceptible to fungal and pest attacks.
Fungal and pest attacks are more prevalent in the summer, so growing tomatoes in the winter is already a good start. However, cherry tomatoes are particularly less prone to these issues. Pests and fruit flies tend to target large-fruited tomato varieties, leaving cherry tomatoes relatively unscathed.
Tomatoes, in general, are susceptible to various fungal diseases, which can be difficult to eradicate. These include Alternaria, Septoria leaf spot, Anthracnose, and Buckeye rot. Septoria lycopersici, the fungus that causes Septoria leaf spot, thrives in wet weather, producing small, round grey spots with dark margins on the lower leaves. Anthracnose and Buckeye rot are favoured by warm temperatures and wet conditions, causing fruit rot.
Cherry tomatoes are less prone to fungal infections, but they can still be impacted. For example, they are often affected by grey leaf spot, a fungal disease that starts with small, dark spots and yellow halos on the leaves, eventually inhibiting fruit production. However, by choosing cherry tomatoes, you're already reducing the likelihood of dealing with these issues.
To further minimise the risk of fungal infections, it's important to practice good garden hygiene. Remove fallen leaves and debris, clean tools before and after use, and water at ground level. Additionally, ensure good weed control and maintain adequate spacing between plants. With these measures in place, you can confidently grow cherry tomatoes in the Australian winter with a reduced risk of fungal and pest attacks.
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Stake tall varieties at planting time and use tomato cages for support
When growing tomatoes in Australia, it's important to consider the climate and choose the right time to plant. In tropical and subtropical climates, tomatoes can be grown year-round, but autumn and winter are generally the best seasons. In temperate, cool, and cold climates, it is recommended to start growing tomatoes in the spring.
One crucial aspect of growing tall tomato varieties is providing adequate support. This can be done by staking the plants at planting time. Tall-growing tomatoes, such as the Giant Tree Tomato, which can reach up to 3 meters in height, require sturdy stakes to support their growth and the weight of the fruit. By providing stakes early on, you can avoid damaging the plant roots later when trying to add support.
In addition to staking, tomato cages offer another effective support system for tall tomato varieties. These cages come in round or triangular shapes and can be placed in both garden beds and containers. They provide a stable structure for the plants to climb and reduce the risk of them toppling over under their own weight. Tomato cages can usually be found at local nurseries or garden centres.
When staking tall tomato plants, it is recommended to space the seedlings accordingly. For smaller varieties, a spacing of 60 cm apart is sufficient, while for taller varieties like the Giant Tree Tomato, a spacing of up to 1 meter is recommended. This allows enough room for the plants to grow and ensures proper air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
By combining staking and tomato cages, you can create a robust support system for your tall tomato plants. This will not only help them grow vertically but also make it easier to manage their growth and keep the plants healthy. With proper support, your tomato plants will be better equipped to withstand wind, rain, and the weight of the developing fruit.
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Speed up ripening by putting unripe tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana, then placing the bag on a sunny windowsill
While it is possible to grow tomatoes in winter in Australia, it is not recommended as they are a sub-tropical plant and need long hot days to grow. However, if you do choose to grow tomatoes in winter, be aware that fungal and pest attacks are less of a problem during this time, and cherry tomatoes tend to fare better than large-fruited varieties.
If you are growing tomatoes in winter and want to speed up the ripening process, you can try the following method:
Firstly, choose mature fruits that are nearly full size, slightly softened, and showing a hint of colour on the blossom end. These tomatoes will be more likely to ripen off the vine. Then, place the unripe tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana. The banana will release ethylene gas, which will boost the level of ethylene in the bag and speed up the ripening process. It is important not to overcrowd the bag, as the tomatoes need room to breathe. Place the bag on a sunny windowsill, as tomatoes need warmth to ripen, and check daily for any signs of mould or rot. Once a tomato is ripe, remove it from the bag and consume it promptly.
This method can speed up the ripening process, but it is worth noting that tomatoes allowed to ripen on the vine before harvest are more nutritionally rich and contain more antioxidants.
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Frequently asked questions
The optimal month for planting cool-weather tomatoes is September, but you can also plant them in October.
Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. If the soil drains poorly, consider growing tomatoes in a raised garden bed or pots.
Cherry tomatoes are a good option, as they don't seem to be as badly affected by pests and fruit flies as large-fruited varieties. Heirloom tomatoes are also a popular choice for their rich flavours, unique colours, and varied shapes.
Space seedlings 60cm apart for smaller varieties and up to 1m for larger varieties. Provide a stake for tall varieties at planting time and water the plants with a seaweed solution. Mulch with lucerne hay or pea straw and feed the plants monthly with tomato food or pelletised chicken manure.
Sun-ripened tomatoes taste best, but if you're in a cool spot, you can speed up ripening by putting the tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana. The banana peel emits a gas called ethylene, which helps to ripen the tomatoes. Place the bag on a sunny windowsill to further speed up the process.
