Optimal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun (6-8+ hours daily) for optimal fruit production.
• Temperature Range: Prefers 65-85°F; growth slows below 55°F.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Frost Tolerance: Not frost-hardy; must be planted after the last frost.

Seed Sowing & Spacing

• Seed Depth: ¼ inch deep.
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart for determinate (bushy) varieties; 24-36 inches apart for indeterminate (vining) varieties.
• Row Spacing: 3-4 feet apart to allow airflow and prevent disease.
• Germination Time: 5-10 days in warm soil (70-85°F).

Planting Schedule

• Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
• Transplanting Outdoors: Move seedlings outside when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
• Successive Planting: Stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests.
• Container Planting: Use at least a 5-gallon container with drainage holes for best results.

💡 Tip: Cherry tomatoes grow best with support—use cages, stakes, or trellises to keep plants upright and prevent disease.

• At Planting: Mix compost or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) into the soil.
• First Flowers: Side-dress with phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like bone meal) to encourage fruiting.
• Mid-Season: Apply compost tea or diluted fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks to support continuous growth.

• Consistent Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist to prevent cracking and blossom end rot.
• Deep Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week at the base of the plant.
• Mulching: Apply straw or wood chips to retain moisture and reduce soil splashing, which can spread disease.

Harvest Timing

• Maturity Indicator: Harvest when fruits are fully colored and slightly firm.
• Average Days to Harvest: 55-75 days from planting.
• Best Harvest Time: Pick in the morning when tomatoes are cool and firm.

Harvesting Technique

1. Gently twist or clip tomatoes from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.
3. Leave a small portion of the stem attached for longer shelf life.

Short-Term Storage

• Room Temperature: Store on the counter for up to a week for the best flavor.
• Refrigeration: Only refrigerate fully ripe tomatoes if necessary; use within 5 days.

Long-Term Storage

• Freezing: Wash, dry, and freeze whole cherry tomatoes for use in cooking.
• Dehydrating: Slice in half and dry for long-term preservation.
• Canning: Preserve in sauces, salsas, or whole for year-round use.

Best Companion Plants

• Basil: Enhances flavor and repels pests.
• Marigolds: Deter aphids and nematodes.
• Carrots: Help break up soil for tomato roots.

Plants to Avoid

• Potatoes: Increase the risk of blight.
• Fennel: Inhibits tomato growth.
• Corn: Attracts similar pests, leading to infestations.