Growing cherry tomatoes can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Cherry tomatoes can also be a bit easier to grow than the larger varieties, and they can be an easy way to add garden fresh produce to your plate. With a few of my tried and true tips you'll be harvesting cherry tomatoes
Are cherry Tomatoes Easy to Grow?
In a word, yes. Cherry tomatoes are very easy to grow. They are versatile and can be planted almost anywhere. Cherry tomatoes are great for growing in patio gardens because they love to grow in containers. They have low susceptibility to disease and are generally low maintenance. I recommend that new tomato gardeners start with cherry tomato varieties because of how simple they are to grow.
What is the best way to grow cherry Tomatoes
First you'll want to find a space for your cherry tomato plants to grow. Cherry tomato plants can grow to be between 3-5 feet tall a 2-3 feet wide. As I mentioned before, I have found that growing cherry tomatoes in containers is an excellent way to utilize the space I have in my garden. This means that you can essentially grow cherry tomatoes anywhere you can put a large enough container. I use old wine barrels to grow mine. As you plan your garden, keep in mind that tomatoes are happiest in well-draining soil with a pH balance of 6.2 to 6.5, and they require four to six hours of sun each day.
When should I plant my cherry tomatoes?
Depending on what zone you live in, whether you’ve started your seeds indoors or purchased seedlings, be sure there’s no chance of frost before you plan. Tomato seedlings are very sensitive to frost and will die if they get too cold. Wait until plants are 6 to 10 inches tall. I like to space my plants at least 2 feet apart, however I have found that tomatoes tend to thrive when their leaves touch another tomato plants. I know that sounds silly, but truly don't let your tomatoes get lonely, they like other tomatoes for company.
planting
When planting a tomato seedling you should pluck all of the small stems and shoots from the bottom of the seedling’s main stalk up to a few inches above its current soil line. When you remove it from its small pot, gently ruffle the existing roots. To plant, bury most of the bare stalk deeply in the soil, right up to the first remaining stem. If you have enough space you can also trench plant, more on that here. This will give the plant a chance to make lots of extra roots and become strong and robust as it grows.
Cherry tomatoes need nutrient dense soil, I recommend adding organic compost to your existing soil you can also use Epsom salts as a soil additive for tomatoes as it will help grow and produce larger plants and fruit. Epsom salt is also highly soluble and easily taken in by plants when combined with water and sprayed on leaves.
Harvesting
A ripe cherry tomato will come off its stem very easily and is well worth waiting an extra day for. A good way to test if your cherry tomatoes is ready to harvest is to give it a gentle tug, if it comes off easily its ripe, if you have to pull harder, wait to harvest. Pick individual fruits every day for best results. Your cherry tomato plants should continue to produce right up until frost.
How long does is take to grow cherry tomatoes
Because of the small fruit size, cherry tomatoes varieties often bear fruit in just 55 to 65 days, with some ready for harvest in as little as 45 days. However, there are a few varieties that can take up to 80 days to mature as well.
For more tips on growing other types of tomatoes check out my article here.
