Growing cherry tomatoes are a favorite among home gardeners, and for good reason. They’re easy to grow and produce an abundance of sweet, juicy fruit. Plus, they can be enjoyed in so many ways – fresh off the vine, in salads, sauces, and more. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about planting cherry tomatoes.
Choose the right spot to plant cherry tomatoes
The first step is to choose the right spot to plant your cherry tomatoes. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with some compost or fertilizer before planting. This will help ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to get planting. Cherry tomatoes can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. If you’re planting them in containers, make sure the pots are at least 12 inches deep. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow.
Plant the cherry tomato seeds
When it’s early spring, be sure there isn’t any chance of frost by planting day. Tender seedlings will die if they get too cold so wait until your little plants are 6-10 inches tall (15 – 25 cm.). You should leave at least a couple of feet between holes for tomatoes to grow big and bushy like cherries!
If you’re starting with seeds, plant them about ½ inch deep. If you’re using starter plants, plant them at the same depth as they were growing in their pots. Once the seeds or plants are in place, water them well.
Growing your own tomatoes is a sure way to have fresh, delicious produce all year round. You should plan for ample sunlight and good drainage in order give them the best chance of success.
Plant the cherry tomato starter plants
Gently ruffle the existing roots of your cherry tomato as you remove it from its container. Your goal is to make sure that any kinks or twists in their development aren’t accentuated by this process, which will help them blossom more fully later on!
Keep in mind that tomatoes need well-draining soil with a pH balance of 6.2 to 6, and they require exposed sunshine each sunny afternoon for four or more hours per day!
Here is our guide on the most popular tomato cages for increased yields.
How tall do cherry tomato plants grow?
The usual cherry tomato plant height is about 2-3 feet (0.5 – 1 meter), though some varieties may get a bit taller. Once they start growing, you’ll need to provide support for the heavy branches and fruit. Stakes or cages work well for this purpose.
As the plants grow, you’ll also need to prune them. This involves removing the lower leaves and branches so that the plant can focus its energy on producing fruit.
Caring for your cherry tomato plants
Water your cherry tomato plants regularly, especially during dry spells. They prefer evenly moist soil, so be sure to check the soil before watering. Overwatering can lead to problems like disease and rot, so it’s important to get the balance right.
Water cherry tomatoes regularly
Cherry tomatoes need regular watering to produce a bountiful harvest. Water them deeply and evenly, about 1-2 inches per week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it’s not too wet or dry. Too much water can lead to problems like fungal diseases, while too little water can cause the fruit to crack.
Amend the soil with compost or fertilizer
Cherry tomatoes benefit from being fertilized every few weeks with a good quality compost or fertilizer. This will help them produce more fruit and stay healthy throughout the growing season.
When growing tomatoes, it’s important to make sure your soil is correctly balanced or high in nutrients like nitrogen. A fertilizer with slightly lower amounts of these elements will be helpful for those who have trouble getting enough. 8-8-8 may work well if you’re not getting enough nute sticks from nature but 10 – 10 – 10 might do better than what we need because of the high demand for nitrogen in tomatoes.
Test your soil
Soil tests are important for getting the right nutrients into your soil, but if you can’t get one done because of past problems with sickly plants or anything else that would prevent testing then just use higher phosphorus fertilizer according to what’s written on it.
When fertilizing tomato plants make sure not too much nitrogen ends up in their leaves; this will result in lush green growth without any fruit! You may also want to give them an additional dose of phosphorus to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Fertilize your plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to encourage growth and fruiting. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully.
Tips and Tricks for Growing Cherry Tomatoes
Growing cherry tomatoes is a delight, but it can be more difficult than you think. To prevent common problems like weak plants and crooked fruit there are three steps that will help your garden thrive:
- Sprinkle lime in the bottom of each hole; use some fertilizer on newcomers to give them a strong start (well-rotted manure works good too!) and give established plants some extra attention (compost, water and love).
- Give established plants some extra attention (compost, water and love).
- When setting out cherry tomatoes in your garden, you should space them 2 – 3 feet (75 centimeters) away from any other plants.
- Pruning your cherry tomato plants As your cherry tomato plants grow, you’ll need to prune them to encourage fruiting and prevent disease.
Pruning also makes it easier to harvest the fruit when it’s ripe. To prune your plants, simply remove any leaves or stems that are diseased or damaged.
You can also remove any suckers that appear below the first flower cluster. These suckers will drain energy from the plant and reduce its yield. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Pest and Disease Control
Cherry tomatoes are relatively resistant to pests and disease, but there are a few things to watch out for. Aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms can all be problems. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases affecting cherry tomatoes include blossom end rot, early blight, and septoria leaf spot. These can be controlled by using fungicides and following good gardening practices (such as keeping the leaves dry and not overcrowding the plants).
Best cherry tomatoes to grow
Some of the best cherry tomatoes to grow – Sun Gold, Sweet 100, and Super Sweet 100. These varieties are all hybrid plants, so they’ll produce fruit that is especially sweet and juicy.
When choosing a cherry tomato plant, be sure to select one that is suited to your climate. For example, if you live in an area with a short growing season, you’ll want to choose a variety that matures quickly.
- Sun Gold is a good choice for short growing seasons. ‘Sun Gold’ is an early-maturing variety that produces sweet, orange-yellow fruit. It’s perfect for gardeners with short growing seasons.
- Sweet 100 is another good option for short growing seasons. This variety produces an abundance of small, sweet fruit.
- Super Sweet 100 is a good choice for gardeners who want to grow large cherry tomatoes. This variety produces fruit that is up to three times the size of ‘Sweet 100’.
Cherry Tomato Sweet 100
| Category: | Vegetable |
| Available Colors: | Red |
| Bloom Time: | Summer |
| Height Range: | 4-5′ (1.2-1.5m) |
| Space Range: | 2-3′ (0.6-0.9m) |
| Lowest Temperature: | 40° to 50°F (4° to 10°C) |
| Plant Light: | Full Sun |
| Companion Plants: | Oregano, Beans, Chives, Peppers, Thyme |
| USDA Zone: | 11-12 |
| Days To Maturity: | 65 |
| Fruit Size: | .75-1″ (2-3cm) |
| Vine Type: | Indeterminate |
When selecting a cherry tomato plant, be sure to choose one that is suited to your climate. For example, if you live in an area with a short growing season, you’ll want to choose a variety that matures quickly.
If you have a long growing season, you can choose from a wider range of varieties. Some good choices for long growing seasons include Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Matt’s Wild Cherry.
- Cherokee Purple is an heirloom variety that produces dark purple fruit.
- Brandywine is another heirloom variety that produces large, red fruit.
- Matt’s Wild Cherry is a good choice for gardeners who want to grow small cherry tomatoes. This variety produces fruit that is about the size of a grape.
Personal Favourite Cherry Tomatoes Recipes
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy cherry tomatoes! Here are a few of our favorites:
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – These roasted cherry tomatoes are the perfect addition to any dish. Simply toss them in olive oil and sea salt, then roast in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Grilled Cherry Tomatoes – For a unique twist on grilled vegetables, try grilling cherry tomatoes! Toss them in olive oil and your favorite herbs, then grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
Cherry Tomato Sauce – This easy sauce is perfect for pasta or pizza. Simply cook down cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and basil until they’re soft. Then blend into a smooth sauce using an immersion blender.
How long do cherry tomatoes take to grow from seed
Cherry tomatoes are usually ripe about 60-70 days after planting. To check if they’re ready to harvest, gently squeeze the fruit. If it’s soft and juicy, it’s time to pick! Enjoy your fresh cherry tomatoes right away or use them in your favorite recipes.
Cherry Tomatoes I’m Currently Growing
FAQ
Do cherry tomatoes need to climb?
Yes, cherry tomatoes will need some sort of support to climb. A tomato cage or trellis is a good option.
Should I stake my cherry tomatoes?
Staking your cherry tomatoes is a good idea, especially if you live in an area with high winds. Stakes will help support the plant and keep the fruit from touching the ground.
Is cherry tomato plant a climber?
Yes, cherry tomato plants are climbers. Climbing cherry tomatoes grow on a vine that climbs up a frame or other support.
What is the best way to support cherry tomato plants?
The best way to support cherry tomato plants is to use a tomato cage or trellis. This will help keep the plant upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.
Is it better to stake or cage cherry tomatoes?
It is better to cage cherry tomatoes. A tomato cage will help support the plant and keep the fruit from touching the ground. Stakes can be used, but they are not as effective as cages.
What is the best month to plant cherry tomatoes?
The best time to plant cherry tomatoes is in late May or early June. This will give the plants enough time to grow and produce fruit before the first frost.
Do cherry tomatoes grow well in pots?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be grown in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix and water regularly.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
