Tomato vs Water Lily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Solanaceae · vegetables

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Tomato (Zones 2-11)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Tomato	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Solanum lycopersicum	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Solanaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	vegetables	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	6'	6"
Spread	3'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South America	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Tomato

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Tomato

✓Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
✓Plant deep — bury 2/3 of stem.
✓Consistent watering prevents blossom end rot.
✓Stake or cage indeterminate types.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Tomato if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View TomatoProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tomato and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Tomato grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 11.

Do Tomato and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Tomato needs full sun and medium water, while Water Lily needs full sun and aquatic water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Tomato or Water Lily?

Tomato grows taller at 6' compared to Water Lily at 6". Tomato spreads 3' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Tomato and Water Lily deer resistant?

Water Lily is deer resistant, but Tomato is not. If deer are a concern, Water Lily is the better choice, or protect Tomato with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Tomato or Water Lily?

Both Tomato and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Tomato	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Solanum lycopersicum	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Solanaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	vegetables	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	6'	6"
Spread	3'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South America	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Tomato

✓Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
✓Plant deep — bury 2/3 of stem.
✓Consistent watering prevents blossom end rot.
✓Stake or cage indeterminate types.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Tomato if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tomato and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Tomato grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 11.

Do Tomato and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Tomato needs full sun and medium water, while Water Lily needs full sun and aquatic water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Tomato or Water Lily?

Tomato grows taller at 6' compared to Water Lily at 6". Tomato spreads 3' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Tomato and Water Lily deer resistant?

Water Lily is deer resistant, but Tomato is not. If deer are a concern, Water Lily is the better choice, or protect Tomato with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Tomato or Water Lily?

Both Tomato and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.