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Contrary to popular belief, tomato farming in Kenya is not always a profitable venture. If the farmer gets it wrong, there is a high probability that the entire harvesting season will go to waste. However, if farmers get the nitty gritty right, tomato growing in Kenya will become profitable.

We have created this farming tomato in Kenya guide to help farmers like you increase yield and identify the right tomato seed variety to plant. This guide will educate you on proper tomato farming techniques, fertilizer application, and handling pests and diseases.

Best Climate and Soil Requirements for Tomato Farming in Kenya

Ideal Climate for Tomato Growing in Kenya

Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C slow growth, while temperatures above 35°C can cause flower drop and reduce yields. Some of the best regions for tomato agriculture are  Central Kenya, Rift Valley, and parts of Western.

Tomatoes agriculture requires well-distributed rainfall of about 600 mm to 1,200 mm annually. Excess rain especially during the flowering and fruiting stages, can cause diseases like blight. When planting tomatoes in dry areas such as  Eastern and Coastal Kenya,l use various irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.

Tomatoes grow well at altitudes ranging from 500 meters to 2,000 meters above sea level. Higher altitudes provide cooler temperatures that help reduce the spread of pests and diseases, although extreme elevations can hinder proper fruiting.

Tomatoes require plenty of sunlight to grow. 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for maximizing growth and fruit production.

 Best Soil and Preparation Methods for Tomato Farming

Soil Types
Tomatoes perform best in well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter. These soils allow proper root penetration and provide good water retention. Soils should have a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal nutrient absorption. Sandy soils can also be used, enriched with organic matter to improve water retention.

Soil Preparation Methods

Land Clearing and Plowing: Clear the land of debris, weeds, and stones. Deep ploughing or digging (up to 30 cm) helps loosen the soil and promotes root growth.

Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH before planting. Soil testing helps identify any nutrient deficiencies and allows for precise fertilizer application.

Adding Organic Matter: Incorporate organic materials like compost or well-decomposed manure into the soil to improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.

Bed Formation: Form raised beds or ridges to improve drainage, especially in areas prone to waterlogging. Raised beds also reduce disease risk and make it easier to irrigate and weed.

Steps to Ensure Soil Fertility for Optimal Yield per Acre

• Regular Soil Testing:
  Regular soil tests (preferably annually) are critical to monitor soil fertility and determine the quantities of fertilizers or lime needed to correct pH levels.
• Organic Matter Addition:
  Regularly incorporate organic matter into the soil, such as farmyard manure, compost, or green manure. This boosts soil fertility and enhances water-holding capacity and soil structure.
• Fertilizer Application:
  Based on soil test results, apply a balanced fertilizer. For instance:

At planting: Use a phosphorus-rich fertiliser (such as DAP 18:46:0) to promote root development.

During growth stages: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g., CAN or urea) during the vegetative stage to boost leaf and stem growth.

During fruiting: Use a fertilizer high in potassium (e.g., NPK 17:17:17 or NPK 10:30:10) to improve fruit quality and size.

One of the best tomatoes fertilizer to use is Safi Sarvi. This fertilizer has all the significant nutrients tomatoes require to grow and thrive. In addition, the fertilizer is ideal for use in dry, semi-arid regions because it helps retain water content by up to 30%.

• Mulching:
  Mulching with organic materials (e.g., straw, grass, or leaves) helps conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, and maintain consistent soil temperatures, all of which are crucial for optimal yields.
• Crop Rotation:
  Practice crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and reduce the build-up of soil-borne diseases and pests. Avoid planting tomatoes after other solanaceous crops like potatoes, as they share similar pests and diseases.

Selecting the Right Tomato Varieties to Plant in Kenya

When choosing the best tomato varieties to cultivate, Kenyan farmers must consider several critical factors to ensure healthy crops, high yields, and market success. Below are the key factors to guide selection:

Disease Resistance

Tomatoes are vulnerable to diseases such as early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt, and bacterial wilt. Choosing disease-resistant varieties can significantly reduce the need for chemical interventions and crop losses.

Some tomato seed hybrid varieties, such as Kilele F1, Rio Grande, and Anna F1, are bred specifically to resist common tomato diseases. 

Yield Potential

Tomato seeds do not produce the same yield. To maximize yields, use high-yielding varieties such as Kilele F1, Prostar F1, and Eden F1. These seed varieties are known for producing higher yields than open-pollinated varieties.

Open-pollinated varieties might be more affordable but may produce lower yields than hybrids. However, they offer the advantage of seed-saving for the next planting season.

3. Climate Suitability

Kenya has diverse climatic conditions, from cooler highlands to hot and dry lowlands. The variety of tomato chosen must be suited to the specific region’s climate to thrive. For example, varieties such as Roma VF and Marglobe are ideal for hot, dry regions due to their tolerance to heat.

When planting in the lowlands, tomato agriculture farmers should consider varieties such as Anna F1 and Chonto F1.

4. Market Demand

As a tomato farmer, you need to grow varieties that meet market preferences in terms of size, shape, and quality. Understanding what buyers want ensures that produce sells quickly and fetches higher prices.

Varieties like Kilele F1, Eden F1, and Prostar F1 produce larger, round, firm fruits that are popular for fresh consumption. Similarly, varieties like Rio Grande and Roma VF are well-suited for processing into tomato paste or sauces due to their high solid content and lower moisture levels.

5. Growth Duration (Maturity Period)

Another factor to consider is the maturity period. The maturity period of a tomato variety affects when farmers can expect to harvest. Varieties with shorter maturity periods are preferable in regions with shorter growing seasons or for farmers looking to produce early yields.

For example, varieties such as Kilele F1 mature within 65-75 days, providing early returns for farmers. Similarly, varieties like Cal J and Marglobe mature in 90-100 days but often produce larger, more robust plants with higher yields. As a tomato farmer, you need to be clear about what you prefer; do you prefer fast-maturing tomatoes or long-maturing tomatoes with bigger sizes?

6. Fruit Size and Quality

Lastly, you need to consider the fruit size and quality. The size and quality of tomatoes are essential for both fresh markets and processing industries. High-quality, uniform fruits attract buyers and increase their market value.

Large-fruiting varieties like Anna F1 and Kilele F1 produce large, firm fruits ideal for supermarkets and export markets. Similarly, varieties like Rio Grande produce smaller, more uniform fruits that are perfect for processing.

Best Tomato Varieties Suitable for Greenhouse Use

Greenhouse farming provides controlled environments for growing tomatoes, leading to higher yields, extended harvest periods, and reduced exposure to pests and diseases.

 Selecting the right tomato varieties is crucial for maximizing these benefits, especially in regions prone to disease or varying climatic conditions. 

Below are some of the best tomato varieties for greenhouse cultivation in Kenya, along with their attributes and benefits.

1. Anna F1: High-Yielding and Disease-Resistant Variety

One of the most popular choices for greenhouse tomato farming is Anna F1. Known for its indeterminate growth habit, this variety grows and produces fruit throughout its life cycle, making it ideal for long-term cultivation in greenhouses.

Key Attributes:

• Indeterminate Growth: The plant grows continuously, allowing for prolonged harvesting. Anna F1 can produce fruit in a controlled greenhouse for up to 8 months.
• High Yield Potential: With a yield capacity of up to 300 tons per hectare, Anna F1 is one of the highest-yielding tomato varieties for greenhouse farming.
• Disease Tolerance: The variety is highly tolerant to common tomato diseases, reducing the need for excessive pesticide use. It can withstand diseases such as Tomato Leaf Curl Virus and Bacterial Wilt, common threats in Kenya’s tomato farms.
• Fruit Characteristics: Anna F1 produces firm, deep red tomatoes with excellent quality, making them ideal for fresh markets and processing. The firmness also contributes to a longer shelf life, reducing post-harvest losses.

Why Choose Anna F1 for Greenhouses? The variety’s long harvesting duration and high yield make it a cost-effective option for farmers looking to maximize profits. Additionally, its disease-resistant nature ensures a more resilient crop, even in challenging conditions.

Tylka F1: Excellent Shelf Life and Sweet Flavor

Tylka F1 is another indeterminate tomato variety, suitable for both outdoor and greenhouse farming. It stands out for its minimum foliage, which allows for better air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases in greenhouse environments.

Key Attributes:

• Non-Staking, Requires Training: Tylka F1 is indeterminate, meaning it doesn’t require staking, but it needs training to optimize space and ensure the plant grows vertically. This is particularly useful in greenhouses with limited space.
• Long Harvest Period: Tylka F1 has a harvest duration of 4 to 6 months, making it ideal for farmers looking for steady production over a longer period.
• Yield Potential: In an 8×30 m greenhouse, the yield can reach 120 tons per 240 m², making it a high-yielding variety for controlled environments.
• Fruit Characteristics: The fruits are oval, elongated, and firm, with a sweet flavour, making them highly desirable for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Extended Shelf Life: One of the standout features of Tylka F1 is its ability to stay fresh for up to 28 days after harvesting. This is particularly advantageous for farmers targeting distant markets or looking to reduce post-harvest losses.

Why Choose Tylka F1 for Greenhouses? Tylka F1 is perfect for farmers balancing high yields with fruit quality. Its minimal foliage reduces the need for excessive pruning, and the variety’s long shelf life provides a distinct advantage for commercial farmers targeting longer supply chains.

3. Prostar: Hybrid Variety with Exceptional Keeping Quality

For farmers seeking a hybrid variety with excellent disease resistance and long harvesting periods, then Prostar is an ideal choice. This variety performs well in both outdoor and greenhouse environments.

Key Attributes:

• Indeterminate Growth: Prostar has a continuous growth cycle makes it suitable for greenhouses where extended harvest periods are desirable.
• Yield Potential: Prostar can yield up to 18 tons per acre, providing consistent production throughout the growing season.
• Fruit Characteristics: The fruits are oval-shaped and attractively red, making them marketable for fresh consumption. Their firm texture also contributes to their excellent keeping quality.
• Disease Resistance: Prostar is tolerant to Tomato Leaf Curl Virus and Bacterial Wilt, two of Kenya’s most common threats to tomato production.
• Long Harvesting Period: With a long harvesting window, Prostar provides farmers a steady income throughout the growing season.

Why Choose Prostar for Greenhouses? The variety’s resilience against common diseases and its attractive, long-lasting fruits make Prostar an excellent choice for smallholder and commercial greenhouse farmers. Its extended harvesting period ensures a continuous supply of high-quality tomatoes.

4. Samantha F1: Disease-Resistant and Fast-Maturing Variety

Samantha F1 is an indeterminate variety well-known for its disease resistance and relatively short maturity period, making it ideal for regions with bacterial wilt issues.

Key Attributes:

• Maturity Period: Samantha F1 matures quickly, taking only 60-70 days after transplanting to produce its first fruits, which is advantageous for farmers looking to reduce the time to market.
• High Yield Potential: Each plant in a greenhouse setting can yield 9 to 11 kilograms, translating to a potential of 50 tons per acre when grown outdoors. This makes Samantha F1 a versatile option for both greenhouse and open-field farming.
• Disease Resistance: Samantha F1 is resistant to various diseases, including Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, and Fusarium Wilt. It also has intermediate resistance to bacterial wilt, which is common in many tomato-growing regions of Kenya.
• Fruit Characteristics: The fruits are oblong-shaped and uniform, weighing between 90 and 95 grams. Their resistance to cracking ensures minimal losses during transportation and storage.

Why Choose Samantha F1 for Greenhouses? The quick maturity period, high yields, and resistance to multiple diseases make Samantha F1 an excellent choice for farmers in regions facing bacterial wilt or other common tomato diseases. Its rapid production cycle and excellent fruit quality provide a steady income stream.

Tomato Varieties Suitable for Open Feild Planting

It is important to note that tomato varieties can be grouped into two:

• Determinate
• Indeterminate

Determinate tomato vanities tend to grow and reach a certain height, stop, begin to flower and then set fruit. On the contrary, indeterminate varieties do not get a specific height but continue to grow, flower and set fruit without limitations.

Best Tomato Varieties for Open Field Cultivation in Kenya

In Kenya, several varieties are specifically bred for this type of cultivation. Here are some top-performing varieties for open-field cultivation, along with their attributes and advantages.

1. Rio Grande: High-Yielding Variety for Lower-Medium Zones

Rio Grande is a determinate tomato variety, meaning it has a finite growing cycle and is well-suited for large-scale open-field farming. It is ideal for use in regions with medium to lower-medium altitudes, where it performs exceptionally well. Some of the key attributes of these seed varieties are:

• Open Field Cultivation: Rio Grande is designed for open-field farming, making it ideal for large-scale production.
• Determinate Growth: As a determinate variety, Rio Grande produces a concentrated fruit set, allowing farmers to harvest within a specific period.
• Yield Potential: Rio Grande boasts a high yield potential of 84 tons per hectare, making it a profitable variety for open-field farmers.
• Fruit Characteristics: The fruits are elongated, pear-shaped, and bright red, with a pulpy texture, making them ideal for processing into tomato paste and sauces.
• Zone Preference: This variety thrives in medium to lower-medium zones.

Why Choose Rio Grande? The Rio Grande is perfect for farmers aiming for high yields in lower-medium zones, especially those focused on processing tomatoes for paste or sauce production. Its concentrated fruiting pattern also makes harvesting more efficient.

2. Onyx F1: Early Maturity and Long Shelf Life

For farmers looking for early-maturing, non-staking varieties, Onyx F1 offers a viable option. It provides a balance between yield, fruit quality, and shelf life.

Key Attributes:

• Open Field Cultivation: Like Rio Grande, Onyx F1 is bred for open field farming, where it performs optimally under well-managed conditions.
• Determinate Growth: Onyx F1 has a determinate growth habit, producing fruit over a defined period.
• Non-Staking: This variety does not require staking, making it ideal for farmers who want to reduce labour costs.
• Yield Potential: Onyx F1 can yield up to 45 tons per hectare, ideal for early-maturing varieties.
• Early Maturity: One of the standout features of Onyx F1 is its early maturity cycle. This cycle makes it mature early.
• Fruit Characteristics: The firm, oval-round fruits have a deep red colour when fully ripe and maintain their quality for a long time, making them ideal for fresh markets and short-term storage.
• Shelf Life: The fruits have a shelf life of up to 21 days, providing flexibility for transport and sales in distant markets.

Why Choose Onyx F1? Onyx F1 is an excellent choice for farmers looking to maximize early-season profits. Its non-staking nature and early maturity make it easier to manage, while its firm fruits and long shelf life ensure marketability.

3. CAL J: Blocky, Firm Fruits with High Yields

Another popular choice for open field cultivation in Kenya is CAL J, a determinate variety known for its blocky, firm fruits and high yield potential. Some of the key characteristics are:

Key Attributes:

• Open Field Cultivation: CAL J is bred explicitly for open field farming, where it has shown high adaptability to Kenyan growing conditions.
• Determinate Growth: Like Rio Grande and Onyx F1, CAL J is a determinate variety, producing its fruits over a defined period, leading to a more synchronized harvest.
• Non-Staking: CAL J does not require staking, making it ideal for large-scale farms where labour management is critical.
• Yield Potential: CAL J can yield up to 70 tons per hectare, making it one of the highest-yielding determinate varieties for open-field farming.
• Fruit Characteristics: The fruits are blocky, deep red, and oval to round in shape. Their firmness ensures they can withstand transport without significant damage, which is a crucial factor for market sales.
• Shelf Life: The fruits have a shelf life of up to 21 days, providing farmers ample time to transport and sell their produce in local or distant markets.

Why Choose CAL J? CAL J is favoured by many open-field tomato farmers in Kenya for its high yields, firm fruits, and long shelf life. It is especially suited for commercial farmers who aim to supply both fresh and processing markets.

In conclusion, tomato farming in Kenya is a profitable venture if you do it correctly. Tomato farmers need to consider the seed variety they plant as some can only be grown in a greenhouse and others in the open field. 

Reach out to us to get an expert tomato farming agronomist.; who will guide you on how to plant tomatoes and identify diseases.