How to Grow Pusa 1073 Tomato
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Pusa 1073 Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum cv. Pusa 1073
vegetablePusa 1073 is a high-yielding, determinate hybrid tomato variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). It is bred specifically for heat and disease tolerance, making it ideal for tropical and subtropical climates. The variety produces medium-sized, round, deep red fruits with excellent flavor and shelf life.
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Example Pusa 1073 Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pusa 1073 Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pusa 1073 Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pusa 1073 Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited to tropical and subtropical regions (zones 9-12); can be grown in warmer temperate zones with protection during cooler months
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Get my Pusa 1073 Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksCotyledons emerge 5-7 days after sowing; first true leaves appear by 10-14 days; seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves
Maintain 75-80°F soil temperature; provide bright light 12-14 hours daily; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings if crowded
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeks in nursery before transplantingPlant develops robust stem and 6-8 true leaves; begins branching; reaches 6-12 inches in height; ready for transplanting to field
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days; transplant after last frost or when temperatures stabilize; stake or support early if needed
Flowering
4-6 weeksFirst flower clusters appear at 4-5 leaf nodes; typically begins 30-40 days after transplanting; multiple flower clusters develop along main and side stems
Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom-end rot; provide balanced nutrition (reduce excess nitrogen to encourage fruiting); apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture; monitor for pests and disease
Fruiting
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits develop and expand; begin ripening to light red then deep red; fruits reach 2-3 inches diameter; determinate habit concentrates fruit maturity
Maintain deep, consistent irrigation; prune lower leaves after fruit sets to improve air circulation; support heavy fruit clusters with ties; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium; check frequently for ripe fruit
Harvest
Ongoing from 70-90 days until end of season or frostFruits fully ripen to deep red color; mature fruits are firm, glossy, and detach easily from vine; peak flavor and sugar content achieved
Harvest ripe fruits every 2-3 days; pick at breaker stage (first blush of color) if shipping; allow vine to continue producing if conditions permit; reduce watering slightly to concentrate flavors in final harvest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Install fruit fly traps; use neem oil spray; remove and destroy infested fruit; maintain field hygiene; use bagging technique for developing fruits
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; reflective mulch; encourage natural predators; spray undersides of leaves
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Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil; insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
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and
(Alternaria solani)
Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation by pruning lower foliage; apply copper fungicide; avoid overhead irrigation; use resistant variety (Pusa 1073 has good tolerance)
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Sulfur dust or spray; improve air circulation; reduce humidity; remove infected leaves; apply baking soda solution (1 tsp per gallon water)
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Increase humidity through misting; neem oil spray; sulfur dust; insecticidal soap; strong water spray
Uses
Fresh slicing and cooking
CulinaryPusa 1073 produces medium-sized, round fruits with deep red color and balanced sweet-tart flavor, ideal for slicing in salads, sandwiches, and fresh consumption. The firm flesh and good shelf life make it excellent for market sales and home use. [source]
Sauce and paste production
CulinaryThe relatively high solids content and deep color make this variety suitable for processing into tomato sauce, paste, and puree. The excellent flavor carries through cooking and concentration. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. Pusa 1073's deep red color indicates high lycopene content, making it particularly valuable for health-conscious consumption. [source]
Food preservation and storage
HouseholdThe good shelf life and firm texture of Pusa 1073 fruits make them suitable for home canning, bottling, and long-term storage. They maintain quality for extended periods both at room temperature and under proper storage conditions. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. Growing this variety contributes to overall garden ecosystem health and fruit set through natural pollination. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when fruits reach full deep red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure, approximately 70-90 days after transplanting. Harvest every 2-3 days at peak ripeness for best flavor. For longer shelf life and transport, pick at breaker stage (first blush of pink/red) and allow to ripen off-vine. This variety's determinate growth means most fruit ripens within 3-4 weeks; plan succession plantings if continuous harvest is desired. Gently twist and pull fruit or use pruning shears to avoid damaging vine.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa 1073 was specifically developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) for tropical and subtropical climates, with enhanced tolerance to heat stress and high humidity—it thrives in conditions where many other tomato varieties struggle.
- 🌱 This determinate variety is bred for concentrated ripening, meaning most fruits mature within a short window, making it ideal for commercial growers and those wanting bulk harvest for processing.
- 🌱 The variety exhibits good resistance to several common tomato diseases prevalent in monsoon-affected regions, making it a popular choice for farmers in India and other tropical areas with high disease pressure.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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