Knowing exactly how much sun tomatoes need to grow lots of fruit is key to a successful harvest.
But exactly how much sun do tomatoes need to grow properly?
The short answer is: the more sun, the better when it comes to tomatoes.
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But there’s definitely a minimum amount they need, and the time of day can make a difference.
Do tomatoes need full sun?
That fabulous flavor is thanks to good soil, ample water, and yes, full sun.
For gardens,full sun means 6 hours or more of direct sunlightper day.
For best growth, site tomatoes where they receive direct sunlight from dawn to dusk.
Not only does sunlight fuel growth, but it also helps keepbacterial and fungal tomato diseasesat bay.
There is an exception to the eight-hour daily recommendationtomatoes growing in the tropics.
The quality of the sunlight is just as important as the hours of sunlight a plant receives.
Quality sunlight for tomatoes looks like bright, direct light.
The suns rays are not filtering through a tree or awning structure; they hit the leaves directly.
Direct sunlight is of greatest value between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Aim to situate tomato plants so they have full sun exposure during these prime hours.
Watch the sun.
Analyze the available light your garden gets.Document the light patterns every hourthroughout the day on a simple landscape sketch.
You likely have more light than you realize.
Pinpoint the sunniest spots.
Identify spaces that receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight.
