Cherry tomato plants are a wonderful addition to any garden, offering a bounty of delicious, bite-sized fruits that burst with flavor. With these eight simple tips, you can ensure your cherry tomato plants thrive and continue producing an abundance of tasty tomatoes from midsummer until the arrival of fall.
- Choose Top-Rated Hybrids: Select award-winning hybrid varieties like ‘Crokini,’ ‘Jolly,’ ‘Purple Zebra,’ and ‘Valentine’ for their exceptional taste, disease resistance, and high productivity. These varieties, recognized as All-America Selections winners, guarantee a plentiful harvest from midsummer until the first frost.
- Explore Heirloom Flavors: Experiment with flavorful heirloom cherry tomato varieties such as ‘Ingleheart Yellow,’ ‘Principe Borghese,’ and ‘Yellow Pear’ for their rich taste and unique characteristics. Although heirlooms have a shorter shelf-life than hybrids, their exceptional flavor makes them worth the extra care.
- Give Them Space to Grow: Cherry tomato plants can grow into large, sprawling bushes, so make sure to plant them with enough room to thrive. Allow at least 3 feet of space on all sides to accommodate their vigorous growth.
- Support with Sturdy Structures: Provide support for your cherry tomato plants with a sturdy tomato cage or trellis. Secure the cage firmly to the ground with stakes to prevent it from toppling over, especially in windy conditions.
- Consider Container-Friendly Varieties: If space is limited, opt for compact cherry tomato varieties like ‘Patio Choice Yellow,’ ‘Tidy Treats,’ ‘Tiny Tim,’ and ‘Tumbler’ that are well-suited for container gardening. Plant them in containers at least 14 inches wide for optimal growth.
- Start Early in Warm Regions: In regions with hot and humid climates, plant cherry tomato transplants early in the spring to ensure they fruit before the onset of intense summer heat. Varieties like ‘Super Sweet 100,’ ‘Sweet Treats,’ and ‘Juliet’ thrive in warm conditions and offer good disease resistance.
- Keep Them Watered: Cherry tomato plants need regular watering, with about an inch of water per week to support fruit formation. Supplement rainfall with hand watering or drip irrigation to keep the soil moisture consistent and prevent fruit cracking or splitting.
- Harvest Frequently: Keep an eye on your cherry tomato plants and harvest ripe fruit every couple of days to encourage continuous production. Ripe cherry tomatoes should be fully colored yet slightly firm to the touch. Regular harvesting ensures a steady supply of fresh tomatoes and helps deter pests while promoting further fruiting.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious cherry tomatoes throughout the growing season, adding vibrant color and mouthwatering flavor to your garden and meals alike.
