Transplanting processing tomatoes: a strategic agronomic choice
Today, tomatoes are mainly grown through transplanting, starting from already developed seedlings rather than by direct sowing in the open field.
The advantages are clear:
Brings harvest forward
by around one week compared with sowing
Shortens the field cycle
to 100–120 days, compared with 130–140 days for sowing
Ensures more uniform plants
which is essential for mechanised harvesting
Makes weed management easier
during the first few weeks
Allows the use of hybrids
and grafted plants
Makes harvest planning
more precise
To learn more about the two sowing methods and understand which is best suited to your farm, read the in-depth article on processing tomato sowing.
When to transplant tomatoes
Young seedlings are ready for planting when they reach 10–15 cm in height and have 4–5 well-developed true leaves.
The optimal transplanting time depends on soil temperature, which must be above 12–15°C. As a result, it may vary according to seasonal trends, altitude and the variety used.
| Geographical area | Processing tomato transplanting window |
|---|---|
| Southern Italy | Early April – mid-May |
| Central Italy | Mid-April – early June |
| Northern Italy | Early May – mid-June |
Grafted tomato plants: the evolution towards quality
In recent years, the use of grafted tomato plants has grown significantly, both in open-field cultivation and protected cropping.
The technique involves joining selected rootstocks — obtained from wild tomato (Solanum lycopersicum wild types or interspecific hybrids) — with other varieties with high production potential.
The result is a seedling with superior characteristics compared with non-grafted material.
This practice offers several advantages:
High tolerance to pathogens
that attack the roots and collar, such as Fusarium, Verticillium and nematodes
Greater vigour and productivity
thanks to a more developed and active root system
Higher final product quality
with more uniform fruits and better organoleptic characteristics in terms of colour, refractometric degree and flesh consistency
Greater adaptability
to difficult soil conditions and heavy soils, including drainage problems or soils historically affected by soil fatigue
Soil preparation
Before transplanting, the soil must be properly prepared.
Correct soil tillage is essential to encourage the development of the tomato’s deep root system, which can reach depths of up to 60 cm.
Deep soil tillage
Base fertilisation
More than 50% of total nutrients are absorbed within a window of around one month, starting 30–40 days after transplanting.
For this reason, depending on the nutrient availability of the soil, phosphorus, potassium and part of the nitrogen should be applied before planting, together with any organic matter needed to improve soil fertility.
Learn more about tomato nutritional requirements here:
Soil arrangement
Hoeing and rotary tillage help create an even seedbed that encourages root-to-soil contact and reduces weed competition during the first few weeks after tomato transplanting.
Mulching
Mulching with plastic or biodegradable film reduces evaporation, keeps the soil warmer during the initial stages and effectively controls weeds without the need for additional chemical treatments.
Are you a producer or an operator in the tomato supply chain?
The transplanting stage influences the entire crop cycle: doing it properly means higher yields, more consistent quality and fewer losses throughout the season.
Discover how APOD supports every stage of transplanting, from the supply of certified plant material to agronomic management in the field.
One technical partner, so nothing is left to chance.
Explore APOD services
Frequently asked questions about tomato cultivation
In which month are tomatoes transplanted?
Processing tomatoes are transplanted when the soil temperature is above 12–15°C and the seedlings have reached 10–15 cm in height, with 4–5 well-developed true leaves. In Southern Italy, transplanting usually takes place from early April to mid-May; in Central Italy, from mid-April to early June; and in Northern Italy, from early May to mid-June.
How deep should the soil be tilled for tomatoes?
For processing tomatoes, soil tillage should generally reach a depth of 25–30 cm, through ploughing or digging. This helps support the development of the tomato’s root system, which can extend down to around 60 cm.
How should tomato seedlings be transplanted?
Tomato seedlings should be transplanted when they are well developed, uniform and healthy, with 4–5 true leaves. The soil should be properly prepared, levelled and fertilised to ensure good root-to-soil contact and encourage rapid establishment after planting.
How much should tomatoes be irrigated after transplanting?
After transplanting, irrigation must ensure good soil moisture to help the seedlings establish and reduce transplant stress. Water management should then be adjusted according to soil type, weather conditions and the plant’s growth stage.
