Cherry Tomato Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Cherry Tomato Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes

Planting:
To start growing cherry tomatoes, you can begin indoors in early spring by using bottom heat to help with germination. Once the plants have sprouted, move them away from direct heat and provide plenty of bright light. Keep the environment nurturing by maintaining a temperature of around 10°C (50°F) for 6-8 weeks.

If you have early-season varieties, you can move them outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 7°C (45°F). For other types, wait until nights are warmer than 10°C (50°F).

The ideal temperature for seed germination ranges between 25-35°C (68-95°F), and under optimal conditions, the seeds should sprout within 7-14 days.


Seed Starting:
To grow your plants successfully, plant the seeds at a depth of 5mm-1cm (¼-½ inch). Make sure that the seeds receive plenty of light to prevent leggy growth.

You may need to repot your seedlings to accommodate root development as they grow. Leave at least 45-60cm (18-24 inches) of space between bush-type varieties.

For vine-type varieties, space them out 50-75cm (20-30 inches) apart. Leave about 1m (3 feet) of space between the rows.


Growing:
Cherry tomatoes need soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8, rich in organic matter. Add compost, manure, and balanced organic fertilizer. Consider soil type and add glacial rock dust for calcium. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Give them full sun and warmth.

Support vine varieties with wires or trellises and bush types with cages. Reduce watering by late July to promote ripening. For greenhouse-grown tomatoes, assist pollination by gently shaking the stems.


Harvesting:
Pick tomatoes when they reach your desired ripeness. Green tomatoes can ripen indoors in a cool, blemish-free place, but dark green tomatoes may not.

Cherry Tomatoes Diseases & Pests

Blossom End Rot:
Blossom End Rot is caused by calcium deficiency, leading to a brown, dry, and recessed area at the fruit's blossom end. This can cause further infection and even internal blackening. Fluctuations in watering disrupt calcium uptake, leading to an imbalance in the potassium-to-calcium ratio. Add bonemeal, dolomite lime, and organic fertilizer to the soil to prevent this and maintain consistent watering.


Late Blight:
Late Blight is a fungal disease that affects plants, especially tomatoes. It begins as greenish-black spots on the leaves, which then spread to the stems and fruit. Brown cankers and bluish-grey mould may also develop. Prevention is critical as there is no cure. Keep plants dry and ventilated, and use cloches. Applying Bordo Copper Spray with OMRI-listed Superflow Natural Surfactant in late summer can prevent fungus spores from germinating.