by Thompson & Morgan | Mar 10, 2026 | Gardening Posts
Is there anything more satisfying than a perfectly ripe, homegrown tomato, freshly picked and warm from the sun? Tomato seeds are easy to grow and a couple of tomato plants will produce hundreds of fruits to keep you supplied from mid-summer right through to autumn.
If you grow tomatoes, you’ll know they soon become a passion. But how much do you know about them? You probably won’t be surprised to learn that a tomato is a fruit. But here are five interesting tomato facts that you may not have come across.
1. Tomatoes originated in the Andes
Tomatoes growing in the Andes mountains
Image source: Shutterstock
Tomatoes were first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas, dating back as early as 700 AD. The Aztec name for them translates to ‘plump thing with a navel’ – and they were grown for decoration rather than food. They were first brought to Europe in the mid 1500s.
2. You can call it a ‘wolf peach’
The scientific name for tomatoes is Lycopersicon lycopersicum, which means wolf peach! At least it sounds better than ‘plump thing with a navel’.
3. People used to believe that tomatoes were poisonous
Don’t serve tomatoes on a pewter plate!
Image source: Shutterstock
In the 1700s, some Europeans became wary of tomatoes because aristocrats were getting sick after eating them – even dying. The problem wasn’t the tomatoes however, but the pewter plates on which they were served. Highly acidic foods such as tomatoes may leach when touching certain metals, like pewter. Thus the problem was lead poisoning, falsely attributed to tomatoes – or ‘poisonous apples’, as they became nicknamed.
4. Tomatoes were originally yellow
The first tomatoes weren’t red, but small and yellow – which explains the Italian word given to them when they were brought to Europe: pomi d’oro, which translates to ‘yellow apples’. Tomatoes are now available in a variety of colours: red, orange, yellow, pink, black, purple and green.
5. There are 10,000 varieties of tomato worldwide
Which tomato variety will you choose next?
Image source: Shutterstock
What are your favourite tomato varieties? You might know the ever-popular ‘Gardener’s Delight’, ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Tumbling Tom Red’ – but did you know there are 10,000 varieties of tomato across the globe? Some of the less familiar names include ‘Orange Beauty’, ‘Oh Happy Day’ and ‘Black Russian’, but you could eat a different variety every day and still not get through them after 27 years!
If you want to learn more about growing and caring for tomatoes, visit our tomato hub page, which links to all kinds of growing and care help and advice. And tell us what unusual tomato facts you’ve come across! Drop us a line at our social media channels.
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.
by Thompson & Morgan | Mar 9, 2026 | Featured Gardener, Gardening Posts
Image courtesy of Sally Grace
Sally from @sally_grace_gardening’s love of nature began in childhood, collecting leaves and flowers in a scrapbook. Fast forward to today, and both her garden and allotment are full of fruit, flowers and unusual homegrown treats. Discover how she uses smart planting tricks to get the most from every corner…
(more…)
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.
by Thompson & Morgan | Feb 9, 2026 | Featured Gardener, Gardening Posts
Image courtesy of Jane Lord
When Jane from @the_little_end_cottage moved into her home fifteen years ago, she fulfilled her long-held dream of a pretty, flower-filled garden. Over the years, she and her husband have completely transformed the space by adding stone patios, wildflower lawns, cut flower beds and a stunning pergola-framed outdoor dining area. To learn more about Jane, including which flower she couldn’t be without, read on…
(more…)
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.
by Thompson & Morgan | Jan 12, 2026 | Featured Gardener, Gardening Posts
Image courtesy of Sharon Lewis
When Sharon (@lifeoutsideforme) moved into her Worcestershire home in 2011, gardening quickly became a source of calm and creativity. Over the years, and alongside work and family commitments, she’s shaped her outside space to reflect a love of nature, wildlife, and the changing seasons. Discover how she brings her garden to life through seasonal planting, wildlife-friendly choices, and a relaxed cottage-style approach…
(more…)
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.
by Thompson & Morgan | Dec 8, 2025 | Featured Gardener, Gardening Posts
Image courtesy of Luke Newnes
When Luke from @man_about_gardening moved into a new-build home in Shropshire, the garden was just a blank canvas. With curiosity and a lot of trial and error, he and his wife have transformed it into a cottage-style haven full of roses, dahlias, foxgloves and pollinator-friendly plants. From the central fountain to the vibrant companion planting, every corner bursts with life, colour and family memories. Discover how gardening became his passion and his top tip for making a small garden feel much bigger…
(more…)
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.
