Cherry tomatoes, those delightful bursts of sweet and tangy flavor, are a garden favorite for a reason. Their prolific nature, relatively compact size, and ease of cultivation make them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Starting your own cherry tomato plants from seed allows you to select specific varieties, save money, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing life from its very beginning. This guide will walk you through the process, from seed extraction to transplanting, ensuring a bountiful harvest of these ruby-red gems.
Choosing the Right Cherry Tomato Variety
The first step is selecting the cherry tomato variety that best suits your taste and growing conditions. There’s a dizzying array of options, each with unique characteristics.
Consider factors such as:
- Fruit Size and Shape: Cherry tomatoes range from tiny, pea-sized varieties to larger, grape-sized options. Shapes can be perfectly round, oval, or even slightly pear-shaped.
- Taste: Sweetness levels vary considerably. Some varieties are intensely sweet, while others have a more balanced sweet-tart flavor. Read descriptions carefully or, better yet, sample different varieties if possible.
- Color: While red is the classic cherry tomato color, you can find them in shades of yellow, orange, purple, brown, and even striped combinations.
- Growth Habit: Cherry tomatoes can be determinate (bush) or indeterminate (vining). Determinate varieties grow to a certain size and then produce all their fruit at once, making them ideal for canning or preserving. Indeterminate varieties continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, requiring staking or caging.
- Disease Resistance: Look for varieties that are resistant to common tomato diseases, such as Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and early blight, especially if you live in an area prone to these issues.
Popular cherry tomato varieties include ‘Sungold’ (known for its exceptional sweetness), ‘Sweet Million’ (a prolific producer), ‘Black Cherry’ (a unique, smoky flavor), and ‘Juliet’ (a grape-type with excellent disease resistance). Do your research and choose a variety that excites you!
Extracting Seeds from Existing Cherry Tomatoes (Optional)
If you have a particularly delicious cherry tomato from your garden or a local farmer’s market, you can try extracting its seeds. This method involves a bit more effort but allows you to propagate your favorite varieties.
Here’s how:
- Select a ripe, healthy tomato. The tomato should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
- Cut the tomato in half.
- Squeeze the seeds and pulp into a small jar or container.
- Add a small amount of water to the jar. This will help to ferment the mixture.
- Leave the jar at room temperature for 3-4 days, stirring occasionally. A layer of mold may form on the surface – this is normal.
- After 3-4 days, add more water to the jar and stir well. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while the pulp and non-viable seeds will float.
- Pour off the pulp and non-viable seeds. Repeat this process several times until only the clean seeds remain.
- Spread the seeds on a paper towel to dry. Allow them to dry completely for 1-2 weeks before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Important Note: Seeds saved from hybrid varieties may not produce plants that are true to type. This means that the offspring may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Starting Cherry Tomato Seeds Indoors
Starting your cherry tomato seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, especially in regions with short summers. This allows the plants to mature and produce fruit earlier.
Timing is Key
The timing of starting your seeds indoors is crucial. You should aim to start them 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Check local weather forecasts or consult with experienced gardeners to determine the average last frost date. Starting them too early can result in leggy, overgrown plants that are difficult to transplant. Starting them too late will delay your harvest.
Gathering Your Supplies
You’ll need the following supplies to start your cherry tomato seeds indoors:
- Cherry tomato seeds: Purchase from a reputable supplier or use saved seeds.
- Seed starting trays or containers: These can be plastic trays with individual cells, peat pots, or even recycled yogurt containers.
- Seed starting mix: Use a sterile, lightweight mix specifically designed for seed starting. Avoid using garden soil, as it can contain diseases and may not drain well.
- Watering can or spray bottle: For gentle watering.
- Heat mat (optional): To provide bottom heat for faster germination.
- Grow lights: To provide adequate light for the seedlings.
- Labels: To keep track of the different varieties you are growing.
The Sowing Process
- Moisten the seed starting mix. Add water until the mix is evenly moist but not soggy.
- Fill the seed starting trays or containers with the moistened mix.
- Sow the seeds. Place 2-3 seeds in each cell or container, about ¼ inch deep.
- Cover the seeds lightly with the seed starting mix.
- Gently water the seeds using a watering can or spray bottle.
- Label each tray or container with the variety of tomato you are planting.
- Place the trays or containers on a heat mat (if using) and under grow lights.
Providing Optimal Conditions for Germination
Cherry tomato seeds need warmth and moisture to germinate. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Use a heat mat to maintain this temperature if needed. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water gently when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Once the seeds germinate, remove the heat mat and move the seedlings closer to the grow lights. They need at least 14-16 hours of light per day. If you don’t have grow lights, you can place the seedlings in a sunny window, but be sure to rotate them regularly to prevent them from leaning towards the light.
Thinning and Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves (the leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves, or cotyledons), it’s time to thin them. If you planted multiple seeds in each cell or container, carefully snip off the weaker seedlings at the soil level, leaving only the strongest one.
When the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have several sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger pots. Carefully remove the seedlings from their cells or containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Transplant them into 4-inch pots filled with potting mix. Bury the stem up to the first set of leaves, as this will encourage the plant to develop a stronger root system.
Hardening Off Your Tomato Seedlings
Before transplanting your cherry tomato seedlings outdoors, it’s essential to harden them off. This process gradually acclimates the plants to the outdoor environment, reducing the risk of shock.
Start by placing the seedlings outdoors in a sheltered location for 1-2 hours per day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside each day. Protect them from direct sunlight and strong winds during the first few days. After about a week, they should be able to tolerate a full day outdoors.
Transplanting Cherry Tomato Seedlings Outdoors
Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, it’s time to transplant your cherry tomato seedlings into the garden.
Choosing the Right Location
Cherry tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of sun. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
Planting Techniques
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling. Gently remove the seedling from its pot and loosen the roots. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil. Bury the stem up to the first set of leaves, as this will encourage the plant to develop a stronger root system. Water the seedling thoroughly after planting.
Space cherry tomato plants about 2-3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Indeterminate varieties will need more space than determinate varieties.
Supporting Your Plants
Indeterminate cherry tomato varieties will need staking or caging to support their growth. Install stakes or cages at the time of planting to avoid damaging the roots later.
Caring for Your Cherry Tomato Plants
Once your cherry tomato plants are in the garden, they will need regular care to thrive.
Watering
Water your cherry tomato plants regularly, especially during dry weather. Water deeply, so that the soil is moist to a depth of several inches. Avoid watering the foliage, as this can encourage disease.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your cherry tomato plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Pruning
Pruning can help to improve air circulation and promote fruit production. Remove suckers (the shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches) from indeterminate varieties to encourage them to focus their energy on fruit production.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor your cherry tomato plants regularly for pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Common diseases include early blight, late blight, and Fusarium wilt.
Use organic pest control methods whenever possible. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective against many common pests.
To prevent diseases, choose disease-resistant varieties, provide good air circulation, and avoid watering the foliage.
Harvesting Your Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are usually ready to harvest about 60-80 days after transplanting. The fruits should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist or snip the tomatoes from the vine.
Harvest your cherry tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production.
Enjoy your homegrown cherry tomatoes fresh from the garden, in salads, or cooked in your favorite recipes.
Starting cherry tomatoes from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to grow your own delicious and healthy food. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these sweet and tangy treats.
When is the best time to start cherry red tomato seeds indoors?
The ideal time to start cherry red tomato seeds indoors is typically 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. Starting them too early can result in leggy, stressed seedlings that are difficult to transplant, while starting them too late will shorten your growing season and potentially reduce your harvest. Consult your local weather resources or agricultural extension office to determine the average last frost date for your area.
Careful planning ensures that your seedlings are strong and healthy when they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. Factors such as indoor lighting and temperature can also influence the growth rate of your seedlings, so monitor their progress and adjust your starting time if needed. Properly hardened-off seedlings will adapt better to outdoor conditions and provide a more bountiful harvest.
What type of soil is best for starting cherry red tomato seeds?
A seed starting mix is crucial for successfully germinating cherry red tomato seeds. These mixes are specifically formulated to be lightweight and well-draining, allowing the delicate roots of seedlings to easily penetrate the soil. Avoid using garden soil or potting soil, as these can be too heavy and compact, hindering germination and potentially leading to disease problems.
Look for a soilless mix that contains ingredients like peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. These components provide the necessary aeration and moisture retention for optimal seed germination and seedling development. Alternatively, you can create your own seed starting mix by combining equal parts of these ingredients. Consider adding a small amount of compost for added nutrients.
How deep should I plant cherry red tomato seeds?
Cherry red tomato seeds should be planted approximately ¼ to ½ inch deep in the seed starting mix. Planting them too shallow can lead to the seeds drying out before they can germinate, while planting them too deep can make it difficult for the seedlings to emerge from the soil. Use a small tool, such as a pencil or a chopstick, to create a shallow hole in the soil.
Gently drop one or two seeds into each hole and then lightly cover them with the seed starting mix. Gently water the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Maintaining consistent moisture is essential for successful germination. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping-off disease.
What is the ideal temperature for cherry red tomato seed germination?
The optimal temperature for cherry red tomato seed germination is between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Maintaining this temperature range will significantly increase the germination rate and speed up the emergence of seedlings. Cooler temperatures can slow down or even prevent germination, while temperatures that are too high can damage the seeds.
You can use a heat mat designed for seed starting to provide consistent warmth to the soil. Place the seed trays on the heat mat and monitor the temperature with a soil thermometer. Once the seedlings have emerged, you can remove the heat mat, but continue to provide adequate warmth to promote healthy growth. Providing consistent heat will result in stronger and healthier seedlings.
How much light do cherry red tomato seedlings need?
Cherry red tomato seedlings require 14-16 hours of light per day once they have emerged from the soil. Insufficient light can result in leggy, weak seedlings that are more susceptible to disease and less likely to produce a bountiful harvest. Natural sunlight from a sunny windowsill is often not enough, especially during the early spring when daylight hours are shorter.
The best option is to use grow lights specifically designed for plant growth. Fluorescent or LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide the necessary spectrum of light for healthy seedling development. Position the lights a few inches above the seedlings and adjust the height as they grow to ensure they receive adequate light without getting burned. Rotate the trays regularly to ensure even light exposure.
When and how should I transplant cherry red tomato seedlings?
Transplant your cherry red tomato seedlings outdoors when all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week before transplanting. This process helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature changes, preventing transplant shock.
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling and gently remove the seedling from its container. Place the seedling in the hole, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage stronger root development. Water thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide support with stakes or cages as the plants grow.
What are some common problems to watch out for when starting cherry red tomato seeds?
Damping-off is a common fungal disease that can affect young seedlings, causing them to rot at the soil line. To prevent damping-off, use a sterile seed starting mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation around the seedlings. Providing adequate light and warmth can also help prevent this disease. If damping-off occurs, remove the affected seedlings immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Leggy seedlings, characterized by long, weak stems, are often caused by insufficient light. Make sure your seedlings are receiving enough light, either from a sunny window or, preferably, from grow lights. Another common problem is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and ensure that the containers have good drainage. Regularly inspect your seedlings for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary.