Processing tomatoes: a crop designed for transformation
Processing tomatoes are a specialised crop, selected to meet the requirements of the processing supply chain: they have compact growth, are self-supporting, produce fruit within a concentrated time frame and are suitable for mechanised harvesting.
Like any crop, however, they can only express their full potential when climate, soil and nutritional conditions are ideal.
Learn more about the ideal conditions for tomato cultivation:
In this technical guide, we analyse the two main planting strategies for processing tomatoes — nursery sowing and direct sowing — comparing timing, costs, seedling uniformity and the quality of the starting material.
Two sowing methods compared
There are two main approaches to sowing processing tomatoes, each with specific advantages in terms of costs, flexibility and the quality of the starting material.
01
Nursery sowing
Tomato seedlings are produced in controlled, climate-regulated environments, inside plug trays, where climatic conditions remain constant regardless of the season.
Choosing a professional tomato nursery means having access to seedlings that have already been selected, are uniform in height and vegetative stage, and have been checked for plant health before they even reach the field.
This method makes it possible to control germination and select the most vigorous seedlings before transplanting them into the field. It is the only viable solution for off-season production and the preferred option for those looking to ensure uniform development on a large scale.
Sowing temperature
24 °C
Period
Autumn → spring
At APOD, we supply tomato seedlings and horticultural nursery material for our members.
02
Direct sowing in the field
Direct sowing in the field is reserved for standard varieties and is carried out from mid-March to early April using precision seed drills, when the minimum soil temperature remains consistently at 10–12°C. Falling below this threshold compromises germination and emergence uniformity, with negative effects on the entire season.
Pelleted seed is used, meaning seed coated with a layer of inert material that increases its size and regularity, allowing for more uniform mechanical distribution.
This reduces the need for subsequent thinning.
Sowing depth
2–4 cm
Density: single row
4–6 plants/m²
Density: twin rows
6–8 plants/m²
Thinning
If necessary, at the 4th–5th leaf stage
Nursery vs direct sowing: technical comparison
| Nursery | Direct sowing | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
| Development uniformity | High | Variable |
| Suitable for off-season production | Yes | No |
| Need for thinning | No | Possible at the 4th–5th leaf stage |
| Plant health control | High | Limited |
| Seedling selection | Yes, before transplanting | No |
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Nursery or direct sowing?
Nursery
Direct sowing
Direct sowing reduces initial costs and is well suited to large areas planted with standard varieties, but it requires precise environmental conditions and careful thinning management.
The real solution is to rely on a technical partner
APOD provides certified plant material ready for transplanting and offers agricultural processing services, from soil preparation through to planting.
Fewer variables to manage, greater control over the final result.
Learn more about the next stage: transplanting processing tomatoes
Frequently asked questions about processing tomato sowing
When are processing tomatoes sown?
Processing tomatoes can be sown in nurseries from autumn to spring, in controlled environments with an optimal sowing temperature of around 24°C. Direct sowing in the field is usually carried out from mid-March to early April, when the minimum soil temperature remains consistently at 10–12°C.
How deep should tomatoes be sown?
For direct sowing in the field, processing tomato seeds are generally placed at a depth of 2–4 cm, using precision seed drills to ensure uniform distribution.
How many processing tomato plants per square metre?
In direct sowing, the recommended density is generally 4–6 plants/m² in single rows and 6–8 plants/m² in twin rows, depending on the variety and cultivation system.
What is pelleted seed?
Pelleted seed is seed coated with a layer of inert material that increases its size and regularity. This makes mechanical sowing more precise and uniform, reducing the need for subsequent thinning.
Is nursery sowing or direct sowing better for processing tomatoes?
Nursery sowing is the best option when the goal is to achieve uniformity, plant health control and high-quality starting material, especially for off-season production or large-scale crops requiring synchronised development. Direct sowing reduces initial costs and is suitable for large areas with standard varieties, but it requires stable environmental conditions and more careful field management.
