Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Tomato Plants & Sulphur

...
tomato plant image by Crisps85 from Fotolia.com

Tomatoes, according to University of Illinois Extension, are one of the most popular garden vegetables grown today. There are hundreds of tomato varieties, including heirlooms, which have distinctive shapes and flavors. Growing tomatoes requires the right kind of nutrients and care. Sulfur is often an overlooked element in the production of quality tomatoes.

Sulfur in Soil

Check the soil fertility of your planting area by performing a pH test. pH tests are available form most good garden centers or through your local university extension service soil laboratory. Pay heed to the micronutrients results when testing the soil. Sulfur is a micronutrient, one needed in small amounts. Sulfur is important in the growth of healthy tomato plants,along with potassium and boron.

  • Tomatoes, according to University of Illinois Extension, are one of the most popular garden vegetables grown today.
  • Pay heed to the micronutrients results when testing the soil.

What Sulfur Does

Sulfur helps provide the flavor to the tomato plant. Neglecting the sulfur content of the soil may lead to tasteless tomatoes, according to Rutgers University's New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Sandy soils as well as soil with a low amount of organic matter tend to be low in sulfur.

Sources

Sulfur is available in the form of organic compost or the mineral gypsum. Fertilizers such as potassium sulfate, potassium magnesium sulfate, and super-phosphate contain high amounts of sulfur, but are only usable when the other major nutrients included are required. 20 pounds of sulfur per acre is best for vegetable production.

Fertilization

Add organic matter and adequate fertilization to the soil before planting the tomato plant to ensure good sulfur levels. Apply a complete starter fertilizer at time of planting. Side dress tomato plants throughout the season. Use ammonium nitrate fertilizer at a rate of one pound per 100 feet of row once the tomatoes have grown to the size of a golf ball.

  • Sulfur helps provide the flavor to the tomato plant.
  • Neglecting the sulfur content of the soil may lead to tasteless tomatoes, according to Rutgers University's New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

Sulfur as Fungicide

Sulfur is commonly used as a fungicide in the garden notes Utah State University Extension. Sulfur sprays or dusts are available to combat powdery mildew and other fungal based diseases. Spray is applied to the tops and bottoms of the plant foliage. The application is repeated every seven to 10 days.

Related Articles

Tomato Fertilizer Ingredients
Tomato Fertilizer Ingredients
How to Improve the Fruit Yield From a Tomato Plant
How to Improve the Fruit Yield From a Tomato Plant
How to Apply Lime to Tomato Plants
How to Apply Lime to Tomato Plants
How to Feed Calcium to a Tomato Plant
How to Feed Calcium to a Tomato Plant
How to Grow Tomatoes in the House
How to Grow Tomatoes in the House
What Eats the Leaves & Tomatoes on Plants?
What Eats the Leaves & Tomatoes on Plants?
Physical Features of Tomato Plants
Physical Features of Tomato Plants
How to Add Boron to the Vegetable Garden
How to Add Boron to the Vegetable Garden
What Causes Yellow Leaves With Black Spots on Tomato Plants?
What Causes Yellow Leaves With Black Spots on Tomato...
Phosphate Deficiency in Tomato Plants
Phosphate Deficiency in Tomato Plants
The Usage of Epsom Salt & Ammonia in Tomato Gardening
The Usage of Epsom Salt & Ammonia in Tomato Gardening
Lime for Tomato Plants
Lime for Tomato Plants
Tomato Growing Conditions
Tomato Growing Conditions
How to Increase Zucchini Yields
How to Increase Zucchini Yields
How to Plant Tomatoes With Mothballs
How to Plant Tomatoes With Mothballs
Garden Guides
×