Hybrid Tomato Cultivation in February: Step-by-Step Guide
February offers moderate temperatures that support strong vegetative growth in tomato plants. The weather during this month is neither too cold nor too hot, making it suitable for starting hybrid tomato cultivation. If farmers raise seedlings in early February and transplant them on time, the first harvest can begin by late March or early April, ensuring an early market advantage.
Seed selection plays a decisive role in tomato cultivation. A wrong variety can lead to crop loss due to viral infections or fungal diseases. Farmers should select disease-resistant hybrid varieties from certified and reliable sources. Popular hybrids include Adhiraj, Pusa Hybrid-4, Avinash-2, Red Gold, Shaktiman, 501, 2535, Swarn Sampada, and Swarn Vaibhav. For one acre, 80 to 100 grams of quality hybrid seed is sufficient. Investing in certified seeds reduces the risk of crop failure and improves yield potential.
Soil preparation is equally important. Hybrid tomatoes grow well in loamy or sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. The field should be ploughed two to three times to achieve fine tilth. Farmers should incorporate 10 to 15 tonnes of well-decomposed cow dung manure or vermicompost per acre to improve soil fertility. Fertilizer application per acre should include 80–100 kg nitrogen, 50–60 kg phosphorus, and 60–80 kg potash. Half of the fertilizers should be applied as a basal dose during land preparation, while the remaining half should be given later in split doses. After fertilization, the field must be levelled and raised beds prepared for better drainage and root development.
Select the Right Variety
Your crop depends on your seed choice.
A weak variety can fail due to virus or wilt attack.
Choose disease-resistant hybrid seeds.
Popular options include:
Adhiraj
Pusa Hybrid-4
Avinash-2
Red Gold
Shaktiman
501
2535
Swarn Sampada
Swarn Vaibhav
Use certified seeds from a trusted company.
For one acre, you need 80–100 grams of seed.
Ask yourself:
Are you saving a small amount on cheap seeds and risking your entire crop?
Transplanting should be done when seedlings are about 25 to 30 days old, usually in the first fortnight of March. Recommended spacing is 60 x 45 cm or 75 x 60 cm, allowing 10,000 to 12,000 plants per acre. Transplanting in the evening helps reduce transplant shock. Light irrigation should be given immediately after transplanting to help plants establish quickly.
Soil and Field Preparation
Hybrid tomatoes grow best in:
Loamy soil
Sandy loam soil
pH between 6.0 and 6.8
Prepare your field properly.
Plough 2–3 times for fine tilth
Add 10–15 tonnes of cow dung manure or vermicompost per acre
Apply fertilizers per acre:
Nitrogen: 80–100 kg
Phosphorus: 50–60 kg
Potash: 60–80 kg
Apply half as basal dose.
Apply the remaining later in split doses.
Level the field.
Prepare raised beds.
Good preparation improves root growth and fruit size.
Nursery Preparation in February
Do not sow hybrid seeds directly in the field.
Prepare seedlings first.
Start in the first or second week of February.
You can use:
Pro-trays
Raised nursery beds
For raised beds:
Width: 60 cm
Length: 5–6 meters
Height: 20–25 cm
Mix soil with sand and well-rotted manure.
Treat seeds before sowing:
Carbendazim
Or Trichoderma
Sow in rows 10–15 cm apart.
Cover lightly with sand or straw.
Irrigate daily using a sprinkler.
Healthy seedlings with 4–5 leaves will be ready in 25–30 days.
Strong seedlings mean strong plants later.
Transplanting
Transplant when plants are 25–30 days old.
Ideal time: First fortnight of March.
Spacing options:
60 x 45 cm
75 x 60 cm
This gives around 10,000–12,000 plants per acre.
Transplant in the evening.
Irrigate lightly right after planting.
Evening transplanting reduces shock and improves survival rate.
Harvesting
First harvest begins 60–90 days after transplanting.
You can start picking by late March or April.
Harvest when fruits turn light red.
Pick every 4–7 days.
From one healthy plant, you can get 15–30 kg of tomatoes under proper care.
With good management, one acre can generate high returns.
Your profit depends on:
Correct seed selection
Timely nursery raising
Balanced fertilizer use
Regular harvesting
Harvesting begins 60 to 90 days after transplanting. Fruits should be picked when they turn light red. Harvesting at intervals of four to seven days ensures better fruit quality and market value. Under proper management, a healthy plant can yield 15 to 30 kilograms of tomatoes. With timely operations and balanced nutrient management, hybrid tomato cultivation in February can provide strong returns for farmers.