Key points
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, learning how to grow cherry tomatoes on the vine is a rewarding experience.
- Place the seed trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights.
- Watering in the morning allows the soil to dry slightly during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Cherry tomatoes, with their vibrant colors and burst of sweetness, are a delightful addition to any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, learning how to grow cherry tomatoes on the vine is a rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting your delicious bounty.
1. Choosing the Right Cherry Tomato Variety
The first step to successful cherry tomato growing is selecting the right variety. With a vast array of cherry tomato options, consider factors like:
- Taste: Do you prefer sweeter, tangier, or more acidic cherry tomatoes?
- Size: Cherry tomatoes come in various sizes, from tiny “pearls” to larger, “grape” varieties.
- Growth Habit: Some cherry tomato varieties are indeterminate, meaning they grow continuously, while others are determinate, reaching a specific height and then stopping.
- Disease Resistance: Look for varieties that are resistant to common tomato diseases like blight and fusarium wilt.
Popular cherry tomato varieties include:
- Sweet Million: This determinate variety produces an abundance of sweet, red cherry tomatoes.
- Sun Gold: These yellow cherry tomatoes are known for their incredible sweetness and juiciness.
- Black Cherry: This heirloom variety offers a unique flavor and dark, almost black, cherry tomatoes.
- Sungold: A prolific, indeterminate variety that produces an abundance of orange, sweet cherry tomatoes.
2. Starting Cherry Tomato Seeds Indoors
Starting your cherry tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start and allows you to control their environment. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Seed Starting Mix: Select a seed starting mix specifically designed for this purpose. It should be light and airy, allowing for good drainage.
- Fill Seed Trays or Pots: Fill your seed trays or individual pots with the seed starting mix.
- Sow Seeds: Sow two to three seeds per cell or pot, pressing them gently into the mix.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the seeds gently, ensuring the mix is evenly moist.
- Provide Light and Warmth: Place the seed trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights. Maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
- Thin Seedlings: Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest seedling in each cell or pot.
3. Transplanting Cherry Tomato Seedlings Outdoors
When the weather is consistently warm and the risk of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant your cherry tomato seedlings outdoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Harden Off Seedlings: Acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by gradually exposing them to more sunlight and cooler temperatures over a week or two.
- Prepare the Garden Bed: Choose a sunny spot in your garden, ensuring the soil is well-drained. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its fertility and structure.
- Dig Planting Holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball. Space the holes 18-24 inches apart for indeterminate varieties and 12-18 inches for determinate varieties.
- Plant Seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their pots and place them in the planting holes. Backfill the holes with soil and gently firm it around the roots.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted seedlings deeply to help them establish themselves.
4. Providing Support for Cherry Tomato Plants
As your cherry tomato plants grow, they will need support to prevent them from falling over. Here are some options:
- Cages: Tomato cages provide a sturdy support structure for the plants. Choose cages that are tall enough to accommodate the height of your variety.
- Trellises: Trellises offer a more elegant and space-saving option for supporting your cherry tomato plants.
- Stakes: For smaller, determinate varieties, you can use stakes to support the plants.
5. Watering Cherry Tomato Plants
Cherry tomatoes need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Here are some tips for watering your plants effectively:
- Water Deeply: Water your cherry tomato plants deeply, ensuring the water reaches the roots.
- Water in the Morning: Watering in the morning allows the soil to dry slightly during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture with your finger. If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-drained.
6. Fertilizing Cherry Tomato Plants
Cherry tomato plants are heavy feeders, so regular fertilization is essential. Here’s how to fertilize your plants:
- Choose a Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar.
- Apply Fertilizer Regularly: Apply fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
- Follow Package Instructions: Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for application rates and frequency.
7. Pruning Cherry Tomato Plants
Pruning your cherry tomato plants can help to improve air circulation, reduce the risk of diseases, and encourage more fruit production. Here’s how to prune your cherry tomato plants:
- Pinch Off Suckers: Suckers are shoots that grow from the leaf axils. Pinch them off regularly to direct the plant’s energy towards fruit production.
- Remove Dead Leaves: Remove any dead or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
8. Harvesting Cherry Tomato Plants
When your cherry tomatoes are ripe, they will be firm and brightly colored. Here are some tips for harvesting your cherry tomatoes:
- Harvest Regularly: Harvest your cherry tomatoes regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit.
- Pick Ripe Tomatoes: Pick only ripe tomatoes. Green tomatoes will not ripen further after being picked.
- Store Properly: Store your harvested cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to a week.
A Sweet Success: Reveling in Your Cherry Tomato Harvest
Growing your own cherry tomatoes is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following these steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes all season long.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: How often should I fertilize my cherry tomato plants?
A: You should fertilize your cherry tomato plants every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: What are suckers, and why should I pinch them off?
A: Suckers are shoots that grow from the leaf axils. Pinching them off helps to direct the plant’s energy towards fruit production.
Q: How do I know when my cherry tomatoes are ripe?
A: Ripe cherry tomatoes will be firm and brightly colored. They should also have a sweet aroma.
Q: What should I do with my cherry tomato plants after the harvest?
A: You can either remove the plants from your garden or let them die back naturally. If you choose to remove them, compost the plant material to add nutrients back to your soil.
