Large Red Cherry Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Overview
The Prolific Red Gem of the Garden
The Large Red Cherry tomato is a garden favorite known for its reliability, abundant yield, and classic sweet-tart flavor. These perfectly round, bite-sized tomatoes burst with juice, making them essential for snacking right off the vine, tossing into summer salads, or skewering for the grill. The vigor of this plant makes it an incredibly rewarding variety for both novice and experienced gardeners.
As a classic indeterminate variety, this plant is a vine that will continue to grow, produce flowers, and set fruit until frost. This requires strong support but rewards the grower with a continuous harvest over several months, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, delicious cherry tomatoes throughout the summer season.
Ideal Uses
While excellent fresh, Large Red Cherry tomatoes hold up well in light cooking, salsas, and can be used to make a bright, quick summer sauce.
General Grow Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Indeterminate (Vining) |
| Plant Height (Indeterminate) | 6-8 ft+ |
| Plant Spacing | 36 in |
| Row Spacing | 48 in |
| Sunlight Needs | Full Sun (8+ hours) |
| Sprouting Time | 7-14 days |
Plant Care and Cultivation
- Mandatory Staking: Because this is an indeterminate vine, use heavy-duty cages, robust trellises, or strong stakes immediately after transplanting. Failure to support the vine will lead to broken branches and disease.
- Deep Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting. Irregular watering can cause the cherry tomatoes to crack or split.
- Prune Suckers: Aggressive pruning of suckers (small shoots that grow in the leaf axils) is recommended to promote better air circulation and direct energy into fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth.
- Harvesting: Harvest when the fruits are fully red and firm. Use scissors or clippers to remove the fruit cluster from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.