Cherry tomatoes, as the name implies, are about the same size as a cherry. They still have the delicious, tangy taste of all their bigger brothers and sisters but they come in a convenient size for lunch boxes and salads. What more could you ask for!
Added to that they are so easy to grow. Probably designed more for limited space, although they can be grown in open gardens too. They are a determinate (bush variety) and because of that, unlike their bigger brothers and sisters, they don’t require the laterals to be pinched out (the branches growing out between the main stem and a leaf branch).
Moreover, they won’t need to be staked unless you want to prevent leaves and fruit touching the soil and running the risk of fungal attack – always something to be on the lookout for.
They are ideal for pots on patios or for upside down in hanging buckets. If you are growing from seed you can start before the final frosts of winter are over but the seeds require warmth to germinate. So find a warm spot, probably a sunny spot behind the glass of the kitchen window.
Your seeds should germinate in about 10 to 12 days and they will be ready to plant out once they have their first set of true leaves. You can transplant them to their final position if you are sure all fear of further frosts has passed or, if that is not the case you can transplant them into 6” pots for further planting out as the temperatures warm up.
If you are using a commercial potting mix it will probably have slow release fertilizer beads in it. If not, an application of liquid fertilizer once every couple of weeks will be beneficial. Make sure that it has the right ratio of N, P, K (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Your nurseryman will be able to help you here.
If you are intending to grow in large pots, remember that the roots will be pot bound and won’t be able to go searching for moisture and nutrients as they do in an open garden so you will have to supply those.
Regular watering is essential. Make sure that the soil doesn’t dry out but also make sure that your pot or bucket has good drainage holes so excess water will drain away. If your watering is irregular you leave your plants open to blossom end rot which is a large black spot which can extend to approximately ½ of your plant, thus making your fruit inedible. Keep the soil moist and that will enable the plant to take up the calcium it requires to prevent blossom end rot. Fertilizing your plants will also be more frequent than if you were planting in an open garden.
I find if I am growing cherry tomatoes in pots they thrive on a weekly dose of balanced liquid fertilizer. I use a blend of liquid seaweed and an emulsion of fish nutrients. The plants love it! And the healthier the plants the better they are capable of warding off disease. Remember, too, that the plants need at least 6 hours of sunshine every day for photosynthesis and ripening of the fruit, so pick the sunniest spot on your patio or in your backyard to maximize the available sunlight.
There are a number of varieties of cherry tomatoes. Experiment with the different types and choose the ones you like the best. It’s so simple but very rewarding!
