Tomatoes plant population
- Typical range: 4,000 to 8,000 plants per acre (open field)
- Example spacing: 6 ft between rows and 1.5 ft between plants
- Reference weight of 1,000 seeds: 3 g
With beds on 6-foot centers and plants every 1.5 feet you get 4,840 plants per acre. Double rows on each bed double the population.
Because tomatoes are transplanted, the seed figure tells you how many to sow in trays: with 85 % germination you need about 5,700 seeds per acre.
These are reference values and change with variety, management and region. For your field, check the seed company recommendation or your local extension service.
Frequently asked questions
How many tomato plants per acre?
Usually 4,000 to 8,000 in open fields; staked fresh-market tomatoes are often around 4,000 to 5,000.