Overview
Cherry tomatoes , with their sweet and sourish flavor , are a summer favorite . Growingcherry tomatoesoutdoors is a rewarding experience , providing you with new , homegrown producethroughout the time of year . This comprehensive guide will take the air you through every whole step of the process , from seed selection to harvest your ripe tomatoes .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
prefer asunny locationwith well - drain soil . Cherry tomato require at least six 60 minutes of sunlight per day . Amend the dirt with compost or manure toimprove fertilityand drain .
Seed Selection and Starting
Start cherry red tomato seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date . Sow seeds 1/4inch deepin a cum - starting mix . Keep thesoil moistand affectionate ( 70 - 80 ° degree Fahrenheit ) .
Transplanting
When seedling have develop their first mark oftrue leaves , transplant them outdoors . Harden them off bygradually exposingthem to outside conditions for a hebdomad before transplanting . Plant seedlings 12 - 18 inches apart , forget the base up to the first set of leafage .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water cherry tomatoes regularly , especially during spicy , teetotal weather . obviate overwatering , as it can top toroot rot . Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer .
Mulching and Staking
Mulch aroundcherry tomatoesto retain moisture , suppress weeds , andregulate dirt temperature . Stake or John Cage plants to support their growth and prevent them from sprawling .
Pruning and Disease Prevention
move out suckers ( shoot that grow between the primary stem and branches ) toencourage fruit production . Prune diseased ordamaged leavesto prevent disease spread .
Pest Management
Common pests of cherry tomatoes include aphids , spider mites , and hornworms . Useorganic methodssuch asinsecticidal soapor neem fossil oil to ensure pest .
Harvesting
Cherry love apple are ready to reap when they arefully redor icteric . Gently twist the tomato from the vine . plow them carefully to avoid spite .
Harvesting and Storing
Harvest cherry tomatoes when they arefully ripe . lay in them in a cool , dark placefor up to a week .
Tips for Success
What You Need to Know
Q : How long does it take to grow cerise tomatoes outdoors?A : From seed to glean , cherry tomatoes typicallytake 60 - 90 days . Q : Can Igrow cherry tomatoesin a container?A : Yes , cherry red tomatoescan be grown in containers . Choose a container that is at least 12inches deepand provide copious drain . Q : What is the best agency to forestall blossom closing rot?A : Blossom end rotis due to acalcium inadequacy . To prevent it , water system plants regularly and feed with a Ca - ample fertiliser .
