NOW APPEARING: Treat tomatoes right and they'll pay off in taste

Tomatoes
(Solanum lycopersicum)

Appearance: Luscious red globes full of sweet and tangy juice - who can resist a fresh, vine-ripened tomato?

Small yellow flowers are produced in early summer on sprawling, herbaceous shrubs that range from 3 to 10 feet long. When pollinated, they mature into the much-coveted fruit.
Cultivation: Tomatoes are native to the tropical Western Hemisphere, where they are perennials. Here, the challenge is getting ripe fruit before it snows. Sow seeds indoors under bright lights in March, or purchase started plants in late spring. Plant outside after danger of frost has passed.

Soil should be moderately fertile and amended with compost. Too much nitrogen will encourage lots of leaves but few fruits. Set transplants in a sheltered spot in full sun. Bury stems up to the first set of leaves, no deeper. Keep well-watered. Growth is slow until soil temperatures exceed 60 degrees. Plastic mulch can help the soil warm faster. Protect leaves and developing fruit from soil-borne pathogens by using mulch and providing support for the growing vines.

Landscape use: Tomatoes historically were grown for ornamental and culinary purposes. The fruit is attractive in the landscape and traditional vegetable garden. Varieties with smaller vines do well in large containers, allowing for more flexibility in choosing the right spot.

For more information: www.ext.colo state.edu/mg/files/gardennotes/717-Tomatoes.html.

Contributed by Leslie Holzmann, Colorado Master Gardener. For answers to your horticultural questions, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk, 636-8921 or CSUmg2@elpasoco.com.