If you’re a new gardener and interested in growing some of your own food, I recommend growing vegetables that “forgive” your inexperience. For example, cherry tomatoes grow quickly and do well in a variety of conditions, which means they fit the “tolerant” description.
Once you get started in the gardening business, having some initial success boosts your confidence in a big way, making you want to grow even more! Fortunately, I can give you step-by-step instructions for growing from seed or starters that you buy at a nursery or garden center.
Extracting Seeds From a Cherry Tomato
Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally down the middle to remove the seeds. Then, using a spoon or your finger, gently scoop the seeds and pulp into a small bowl. Add water to the bowl and let it sit for a few days until mold forms on top. This fermentation process helps separate the seeds from the pulp and facilitates their cultivation.
After fermentation is complete, add the water and pulp, then rinse the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer under running water. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry, and then store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.
Growing Cherry Tomatoes From Seed
These are step-by-step instructions for growing cherry tomatoes from seed.
There are many cherry tomatoes out there, so choose the one that best suits your needs. You can buy seeds from a gardening center online, or save them from ripe cherry tomatoes you buy at the store.
Fill a small seeding tray with potting soil. Water the soil so that it is moist but not saturated. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil, and cover them lightly with soil.
Cherry tomato seeds need warmth to germinate, so keep them somewhere warm, between 70°F and 80°F. You can also use a seed heating mat to provide a consistent temperature. In addition, cherry tomato seeds need a lot of light, so place them in a sunny location or under a grow light.
Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Avoid over-watering, as this can cause the seeds to rot.
Once the plants reach about 2-3 inches tall and have their first set of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden. If you plant outside, wait until the last frost in your area.
As cherry tomato plants grow, they need support to keep their branches and fruits off the ground. You can use cages or stakes to support them.
How to find When Cherry Tomatoes Are Ripe
Cherry tomatoes are ripe and ready to harvest when they reach their full color and feel a little soft. Here are some ways to determine when cherry tomatoes are ripe:
Most cherry tomatoes start out green and then turn red, yellow, orange, or another color as they ripen. Look for a deep, rich, uniform color throughout the fruit.
Ripe cherry tomatoes should be slightly soft in texture but not mushy. They should bear gentle pressure but remain firm.
Ripe cherry tomatoes should have the sweet, juicy flavor characteristic of the variety.
Ripe cherry tomatoes can have a slightly sweet aroma, becoming more noticeable when they are almost ripe.
Planting cherry tomato seeds
The best time to plant cherry tomatoes outdoors depends on your location and local climate. In general, cherry tomatoes should be planted outside after the last frost date in your area. If you decide to purchase plants from a nursery rather than starting your own from seed, here are the step-by-step instructions:
Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and is protected from strong winds.
If you’re growing in the ground, add some well-rotted compost or compost to the soil to improve its fertility and texture. If planted in containers, fill with a good quality potting mix.
Dig a hole for the plant deep enough to cover the stem up to the first set of leaves. This will help the plant develop a stronger root system.
Gently loosen the soil around the plant’s roots and carefully remove it from the container.
Place the seedling in the hole, fill it with soil, and gently firm the soil around the stem.
Make sure the soil is level with the top of the root ball.
Water the seeds well immediately after planting, and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
If you are growing your cherry tomato plant upright, provide a support structure such as a stake or tomato cage to help the plant grow upright and support the weight of the fruit.
Once the plant is established, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
Monitor the plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and treat the plant as needed.
All Plants Have Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, cherry tomatoes are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect cherry tomatoes:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and leaf drop. They can be controlled with a strong spray of insecticidal soap or water.
Whiteflies: These small, white insects suck plant sap and can transmit plant viruses. They can be controlled with a strong spray of insecticidal soap or water.
Tomato hornworms: These large green caterpillars can strip the leaves and fruits of a plant. They can be picked by hand (wearing gloves) and crushed or placed in a bowl of soapy water. Do not spray the plant with soapy water, as this will also kill beneficial insects.
Fusarium wilt: A fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves and stems. There is no cure for fusarium wilt, so infected plants must be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading.
Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves and stems, similar to Fusarium wilt. Affected plants must be removed and destroyed.
Blossom end rot: This disorder causes a dark, hollow area to appear on the underside of the fruit. This is caused by a calcium deficiency and can be avoided by ensuring adequate soil moisture and calcium levels.
Early blight: This fungal disease causes black spots to appear on the leaves and stems, resulting in defoliation and lower yield. It can be controlled using fungicides or by planting resistant varieties.
Late blight: This fungal disease causes black spots to appear on leaves and stems, resulting in leaf drop and lower yield. It can be controlled using fungicides or by planting resistant varieties.
I suggest you call your local extension office and ask what diseases and pests are most common in your area. They can give you specific information, while I can only give you general recommendations.
Popular varieties of cherry tomatoes
There is a wide variety of cherry tomatoes, the most popular of which are:
Supersweet 100: This variety produces clusters of sweet little fruit that are perfect for snacking.
Sweet Chelsea: This new variety produces clusters of small, bright red fruits that are very sweet and juicy.
Sweet 100: This is a classic cherry tomato with clusters of sweet little fruit.
Sun Gold: This variety produces orange-yellow fruits that are sweet in taste.
Black Cherry: These cherry tomatoes are deep red in color with a slightly smoky flavor.
Juliet: This variety produces long, grape-shaped fruit that are sweet in taste.
Yellow Pear: This unique cultivar produces a small, pear-shaped fruit that is light yellow in color.
Chocolate Cherry: This variety produces small, brown-red fruits with a sweet, rich flavour.
Red Currant: This small variety of cherry tomato produces small, bright red fruits with a sweet-tart flavor.
Green Grape: This variety produces small green fruits that are sweet in taste and juicy.
