How to grow cherry tomato plants
Tiny and tasty, cherry tomatoes are a vegie patch superstar. Surprisingly east to grow, these little legends come in a variety of colours from classic red to yellow, green, purple, and even black! Whether you’re a gardening newbie or a seasoned veggie veteran, tomato bushes are easy to grow in gardens, balconies – anywhere there’s a big sunny spot!
Top 5 tips for growing cherry tomatoes
For balconies and small spaces, choose a compact type like Tiny Tim or Small Fry. Got room to move? Go with Cherry Ripe or Sweetie for a large yield.
- Cherry tomatoes love sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day to stay happy. But if it’s scorching hot, throw up a shade cloth.
- Plant cherry tomatoes in fertile well-draining soil and fertilise every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Water at the base of the plant, instead of from the top, to prevent fungal disease.
- Cherry tomatoes like to climb. Use stakes or tomato cages to keep them upright.
Cherry tomato types
Cherry tomatoes are thought to be a genetic cross between wild tomatoes and domesticated garden varieties. Here are our top picks to grow:
- Cherry Ripe: Juicy and sweet. Expect a lot of fruit!
- Sweetie: The name says it all. One of the sweetest types.
- Tiny Tim: Compact. Perfect for growing in pots or on balconies.
- Small Fry: Another compact type, great for containers and balconies.
Best conditions for growing cherry tomatoes
Sunlight
Cherry tomatoes love the sun! Pick a warm, sunny spot with good airflow – somewhere they can soak up about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day But no one like sunburn – if you’re in a really hot area, cover them with a shade cloth during the hottest time of the year.
Soil
Cherry tomatoes are happiest in fertile, sandy, slightly acidic soil. Add compost or lime to prevent issues like blossom end rot..
Water
Regular watering is essential. Every few days in cooler months and daily during summer heatwaves. Always water at the base – not over the leaves. Cherry tomatoes hate wet leaves, and it could result in some funky fungal diseases.
Temperature
Not too hot, not too cold – that’s how cherry tomatoes like it. Between 22°C and 27°C is the sweet spot. If you’re in a cooler area, consider using a small greenhouse.
How to plant cherry tomatoes
How to grow cherry tomato from seed
Want to grow from seed? Here’s how: The best time to start cherry tomato seeds in Australia is late winter or early spring. Follow these steps for successful germination:
- Pop seeds into small pots filled with Scotts Osmocote Seed & Cutting Potting Mix. Lightly cover with soil and mist with water.
- Cover the pots with plastic wrap or place them in a mini greenhouse to keep them nice and toasty - a temperature between 20°C and 27°C is ideal.
- Mist with water regularly to keep the soil just damp. Seedlings should emerge within 3–4 weeks.
- Once you’ve got a few sets of leaves, your babies are ready to be planted into a larger pot or your garden. If you can, wait until spring, when the frost has passed. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, add compost or a tomato-specific fertiliser, place the seedling into the hole, backfill, water and voila!
Growing cherry tomatoes in pots
Go for a cute and compact type like Tiny Tim or Small Fry.
Steps for pot planting:
- Use a pot at least 30cm deep.
- Fill with nutrient-rich tomato-specific potting mix and compost.
- Plant up to three seedlings per pot.
- Add stakes or a cage for support.
- Water regularly, but don’t drown them!
Cherry tomato care and maintenance
Feeding cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are hungry little things! Feed them every 2–3 weeks with a liquid tomato fertiliser. Stick to the instructions - there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Harvesting cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are ready in late summer and autumn. Ripe cherry tomatoes are vibrant, firm and tasty.
Common challenges with cherry tomato cultivation
Watch out for:
Blight
Blight thrives in cool, damp conditions and looks like a fuzzy greyish-white growth on leaves and fruit. Snip off infected leaves and add a fungicide if things are really dire.
Powdery mildew
This fungal disease looks like a white powdery coating on leaves. Improve airflow, and water at the base only.
Brown leaf spot
Looks like yellow spots that turn brown. Snip off affected leaves and always keep them dry during watering.
Pests
Aphids and caterpillars love a cherry tomato just as much as us humans. Use natural soap sprays or neem oil, or lure in some ladybugs to help out!
Why grow cherry tomatoes?
Because they’re easy to grow, packed with flavour, and to add instant sweetness and freshness to salads, pasta, and pizza.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating healthy, productive tomato plants. Happy growing!
Frequently asked questions about cherry tomatoes
Is it better to grow cherry tomatoes in pots or in the ground?
Both work! Growing cherry tomatoes in pots is an excellent choice if you’re low on space. While tomatoes planted in the ground often grow bigger and provide more fruit.
What should I plant next to cherry tomatoes?
Pals of the cherry tomato include onions, garlic, basil, and parsley. Keep them away from cabbage, broccoli or fennel as these can hinder their growth.
How long does it take for cherry tomatoes to mature?
Around 10-12 weeks from planting to harvest, depending on your variety and growing conditions. If you look after them, you might just get multiple harvests, so keep picking!
How tall do cherry tomatoes grow?
Some cherry tomato plants can grow up to 3 to 4 metres – they love to climb!
