How to Grow Pusa 372 Tomato
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Pusa 372 Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Pusa 372'
vegetablePusa 372 is a determinate tomato variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, known for its compact growth habit and high yield of medium-sized fruits. It is widely cultivated in India and other tropical regions due to its disease resistance and adaptability to hot, humid climates. The variety produces uniform, round fruits with good flavor and shelf life.
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Example Pusa 372 Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pusa 372 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 372 Tomato
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pusa 372 Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in warm tropical zones 10-11; can be grown as a cool-season crop in zones 9-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with first true leaves appearing; seedlings are delicate with thin stems
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), provide bright light, water gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-5 weeksPlants develop multiple true leaves and bushy growth; compact determinate habit becomes evident
Transplant to individual pots or garden when 2-3 inches tall. Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors. Support plants with stakes or cages early. Prune lower leaves as plant grows.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters; plant reaches full height and begins branching
Maintain consistent watering and begin light fertilization every 2-3 weeks with balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer. Ensure adequate calcium to prevent blossom-end rot. Continue pruning excessive foliage.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksFruits develop rapidly; green fruits enlarge and gradually change color to red when mature
Increase nitrogen and potassium slightly through fertilization. Continue regular watering without letting soil dry completely. Remove diseased leaves promptly. Monitor for pests and diseases closely.
Harvest
2-3 weeks of ongoing harvestFruits reach full red color and are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure; plant may continue producing secondary fruits
Pick fruits when fully colored for best flavor. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Continue watering and feeding to encourage continued production. Remove any diseased fruits immediately.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove fallen fruits, use fruit fly traps, practice sanitation, apply neem oil if needed
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Spray with insecticidal soap, use reflective mulches, apply neem oil, maintain good air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil, provide adequate spacing for airflow
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Hand-pick larvae, encourage parasitic wasps, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestation is severe
Uses
Fresh slicing and cooking
CulinaryPusa 372 tomatoes are excellent for fresh consumption, slicing into salads, and cooking in curries, sauces, and traditional Indian dishes. The medium size and firm texture make them ideal for both raw and cooked applications. [source]
Sauces and preservation
CulinaryThe good shelf life and balanced flavor profile of Pusa 372 make it suitable for making tomato paste, sauce, and preserves. The fruits can be dried or canned for long-term storage. [source]
Lycopene source
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Pusa 372 contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Lycopene content increases with cooking and ripening. [source]
Garden production
HouseholdPusa 372 is bred specifically for high-yield home and commercial cultivation in tropical climates, making it one of the most productive determinate varieties for gardeners in India and similar regions. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity while ensuring good fruit set and yield in the home garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully red and slightly soft to touch; typically 65-75 days after transplanting. Harvest in early morning for best flavor. Tomatoes continue ripening off the vine, so slightly immature fruits can be picked and ripened indoors. Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa 372 was developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi and is specifically adapted to the hot, humid summers of India and South Asia, making it exceptionally reliable in those climates.
- 🌱 As a determinate variety, Pusa 372 grows to a fixed height (typically 2-3 feet) and concentrates fruit production over a shorter period, making it ideal for canning and preservation rather than extended fresh harvests.
- 🌱 The variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases including early and late blight, making it an excellent choice for organic gardeners in disease-prone tropical regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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