Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix', Phoenix Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix'

Phoenix Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height3-4 feet
Width2-3 feet

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' is a compact determinate tomato cultivar specifically developed for exceptional heat tolerance and reliable performance in challenging climates. This robust annual produces sturdy, bushy plants that typically reach 3-4 feet in height with a concentrated, upright growth habit. The plants feature the characteristic compound leaves of tomatoes, with dark green serrated leaflets that maintain their vigor even under intense heat stress. Small, bright yellow five-petaled flowers appear in clusters along the stems throughout the growing season, developing into medium-sized, round to slightly flattened fruits that weigh 6-8 ounces each. The fruits ripen to a deep red color with excellent flavor balance, combining good sweetness with pleasant acidity. Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' is particularly valued by gardeners in hot, arid regions where other tomato varieties struggle to set fruit consistently.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western regions of South America, particularly the Andean highlands of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. The species was later cultivated and diversified by indigenous peoples in Mexico, where many of the traits we associate with modern tomatoes were developed before the plant spread globally through trade and exploration.

Suggested Uses

Ideal for hot climate gardens, desert gardening, container cultivation, small space gardens, patio growing, fresh eating, cooking applications, sauce making, and canning. Excellent choice for gardeners in regions with consistently high summer temperatures where heat tolerance is essential.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' can be identified by its compact, determinate growth habit that stops growing at 3-4 feet tall, distinguishing it from indeterminate varieties that continue growing throughout the season. The plants display typical tomato characteristics including compound leaves with serrated leaflets, small yellow flowers in clusters, and the distinctive tomato fruit. Key identifying features of this cultivar include its exceptional heat tolerance, concentrated fruit production period, and medium-sized red tomatoes that ripen uniformly. The plants maintain a bushy, self-supporting structure with sturdy stems that require minimal staking compared to indeterminate varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~26 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
Small yellow flowers appear continuously from late spring through fall, with peak flowering occurring during warm summer months when temperatures favor fruit set.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-85 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, needing approximately 1-2 inches of water weekly through deep, infrequent watering sessions to promote strong root development. Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure, ensuring good air circulation to prevent disease issues. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then transition to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium formula once flowering begins to encourage fruit production over excessive foliage growth. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. While more compact than indeterminate varieties, provide support with tomato cages or stakes as fruits develop to prevent branch breakage.

Pruning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' requires minimal pruning due to its determinate growth pattern, but some maintenance enhances plant health and productivity. Remove suckers that develop in the crotch between the main stem and branches while they are small and easily pinched off, directing the plant's energy toward fruit production. Eliminate lower leaves that touch the soil to reduce disease transmission and improve air circulation. Once the main fruit set is established, avoid heavy pruning since determinate varieties have a predetermined growth cycle and excessive removal of foliage can reduce yields.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Like all members of the Solanaceae family, the green parts of Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' including leaves, stems, and unripe green fruits contain solanine and tomatine alkaloids that are toxic to humans and pets if consumed. Only fully ripe red fruits are safe to eat and should be the only part of the plant consumed.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

75–85 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums
peppers

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
dill