How to Grow and Care for Cherry Tomato Plants

Cherry tomatoes are a delightful addition to any garden, known for their sweet flavor and vibrant colors. This guide will provide you with essential tips on how to grow and care for these delicious fruits.

Top Cherry Tomato Varieties

Here are some popular cherry tomato varieties that you might consider for your garden:

1. Sweet 100

Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and high yield. They are perfect for snacking and salads.

The Super Sweet 100 Tomato Seeds are perfect for home gardening, whether you’re planting indoors or in your outdoor garden. These non-GMO, organic heirloom seeds produce bright red cherry tomatoes with a sweet flavor, ideal for greenhouse or hydroponic setups. Enjoy a productive harvest from spring to fall with minimal effort.

The current price is $2.99, and it has a 3.8-star rating based on 84 reviews. You can find the Super Sweet 100 Tomato Seeds at Amazon.

2. Patio Sunshine

This compact variety is perfect for container gardening and produces bright yellow fruits.

The Patio Choice Yellow Hybrid Tomato Seeds are perfect for small-space gardening, producing over 100 mild, juicy yellow cherry tomatoes on a compact 18-inch plant. These tomatoes grow well in pots, hanging baskets, or mixed planters and thrive in heat, humidity, and rain. The plant’s single-harvest crop makes it easy to enjoy fresh or preserve for later.

The current price is $5.37, with a 4.1-star rating from 418 reviews. You can find the Patio Choice Yellow Hybrid Tomato Seeds at Amazon.

3. Cherry Punch

Cherry Punch tomatoes are known for their rich flavor and compact growth, making them suitable for small gardens.

Dwarf bush tomatoes

I grow Dwarf Bush Cherry Tomatoes indoors year-round, and they’re perfect for small spaces like windowsills, pots, or hanging baskets. These compact plants only reach 12–14 inches tall, making them easy to manage without needing support. They’re high-yielding, cold-tolerant, and add a touch of greenery while producing delicious tomatoes.

The current price is $7.85, with a 3.9-star rating from 278 reviews. You can find the Dwarf Bush Cherry Tomatoes Seeds at Amazon.

Grow you own cherry tomato tree

Here’s a simple guide to start and grow cherry tomatoes from seeds.

Here’s my typical procedure when sowing seeds:

Tray Seeding

Fill cell trays with a seed-starting mix – a light soil that creates an ideal sprouting atmosphere. Place one or two seeds into each cell, pressing them about a quarter-inch into the soil.

Grow Medium

I opt for compressed coco coir blocks for germination. It’s a ready-to-use growing medium, convenient for any gardener.

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I use these handy 12-cell trays for germination:

You can get a 5-pack for $11.99 at Amazon and check the latest prices and purchase the trays here.

After planting, carefully mist the soil with water to avoid seed disturbance. Cover the tray with a lid to retain humidity and quicken germination.

LED grow lights are affordable lighting solutions if natural light or outdoor growth isn’t accessible.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Spruce up your indoor garden with Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lights, designed to mimic sunlight and enhance photosynthesis. Outfitted with a sturdy clamp and adjustable gooseneck, the setup is easy. Manage this with the Power button to choose between tubes or singular use, adjust brightness through 10 levels with the Dimmer button, and control light spans of 5, 10, or 15 hours via the Timer feature.

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The perfect time to plant seedlings in your garden or greenhouse is during spring, post the frost risk.

Discover your hardiness zone and optimal growing periods using this tool by entering your zip code: Find the exact hardiness zone for your location by entering your zip code here:
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In short-season zones, a greenhouse might be your best bet for cherry tomatoes.

Optimal Conditions for Growth

• Soil Quality: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter aids healthy growth.
• Watering: Keep consistent moisture, crucial during germination and growth, but avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Optimal germination occurs around 70°F (21°C). Maintain warmth for sprouting success.
• Sunlight: Annually, a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight helps produce the best yields.

Steps to Successfully Start from Seeds

1. Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of your last frost date to prep seedlings for the outdoors.
2. Sowing: Plant seeds into trays or pots, lightly covering them with soil about 1/4 inch deep for proper exposure and moisture.
3. Moisture Management: Ensure soil remains consistently moist, using a spray bottle to maintain humidity.
4. Seedling Care: Reduce watering post-sprouting to avoid root rot, and secure ample light for robust growth.
5. Transplanting: After the last frost, plant seedlings outdoors, submerging the stem deeply to encourage root growth.

More growing Tips

• US Tomato Planting Calendar
• Hydroponic Cherry Tomatoes
• Container Gardening with Cherry Tomatoes
• Growing Hydroponic Cherry Tomatoes using DWC
• Growing Roma Tomatoes from seed indoors

Comparison Table of Cherry Tomato Varieties

Variety	Color	Days to Maturity	Yield
Sweet 100	Red	65 days	High
Patio Sunshine	Yellow	45 days	Medium
Cherry Punch	Red	50 days	Medium

• General guide for growing Category Details Growing Requirements   Sunlight Full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Soil Well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter; pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal. Watering Water deeply but infrequently; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Temperature Prefers temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C); sensitive to frost. Characteristics of Cherry Tomato Plants   Growth Habit Can grow taller than 4 feet; can be grown in cages or allowed to sprawl. Fruit Size and Color Comes in various colors (red, yellow, orange); size typically ranges from 1 to 2 inches. Yield Can produce a bountiful harvest when properly cared for.

Pros and Cons of Growing Cherry Tomatoes

Pros	Cons
High yield in small spaces	Requires regular maintenance
Variety of flavors and colors	Susceptible to pests and diseases
Great for container gardening	Needs consistent watering
Quick to mature	Can grow tall, requiring support

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common issues you may encounter while growing cherry tomatoes, along with solutions:

Problem	Symptoms	Solution
Blossom End Rot	Dark, sunken spots on the bottom of fruits	Ensure consistent watering and calcium levels in the soil.
Leaf Curl	Leaves curling upwards or downwards	Check for pests or environmental stress; adjust watering and sunlight.
Powdery Mildew	White, powdery spots on leaves	Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary.
Fruit Cracking	Cracks on the surface of ripe tomatoes	Maintain consistent watering to prevent fluctuations in soil moisture.

Harvesting Cherry Tomatoes

Knowing when and how to harvest your cherry tomatoes is crucial for the best flavor:

• Harvest when the tomatoes are fully colored and slightly firm to the touch.
• Use scissors or garden shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached.
• Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature for the best flavor; avoid refrigeration.

Q&A

What are the best ways to support the growth of small fruiting plants?

To effectively support your small fruiting plants, use stakes or cages that can hold the branches upright. This not only prevents breakage but also enhances airflow around the plant, reducing the risk of disease. Be sure to secure the stems gently to avoid damage.

How can I improve the taste of my cherry tomatoes during cultivation?

To enhance the flavor of your tomatoes, ensure they receive ample sunlight and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich products. Instead, opt for fertilizers that are higher in potassium and phosphorus as the fruits begin to set, which will help develop their sweetness.

Is it possible to save seeds from my cherry tomatoes for future planting?

Yes, you can save seeds from your ripe tomatoes. Allow a few fruits to fully ripen, then scoop out the seeds and rinse them to remove the gel. Let them dry completely before storing in a cool, dark place for planting next season.

What watering practices should I follow for optimal growth?

Water your plants deeply but infrequently, aiming for about an inch of water each week. It’s best to water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.