Solanum lycopersicum ( Cherry Tomato ) is an old heirloom variety of tomato that are believed to have originated from the wild in South America. These delicious little tomatoes were first introduced into Europe in the early 1800’s and have been a staple at markets, gardens and now supermarkets alike ever since.
The Cherry Tomato is very popular as a salad tomato, this is due to their excellent flavour, small size, and firm skin. This makes it easy to either slice them in half or just throw them into a salad whole, in comparison to the messiness of slicing some larger tomato varieties that can end up losing a lot of their flesh on the chopping board. Their small size at approximately 15-20mm (0.6-0.8 inch) also makes them an easy bite sized snack.
Suitable for growing in all climates.
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Growth
Cherry Tomato plants are indeterminate and need plenty of space. This variety can grow up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall and will spread out to approximately 60-80 cm (2-2.6 feet) in width. A sturdy frame, lattice or stakes are necessary to tie the plant to. This will provide support for the plant, enable both airflow and sunshine to reach as much of the plant as possible, and to encourage a bountiful crop.
A well looked after Cherry Tomato plant can produce as many as 200 tomatoes per plant.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
All climates
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well drained, compost rich, loamy, or sandy.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Will tolerate some afternoon shade but full sun for at least 8 hours a day preferred,
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 80 centimetres (2.6 feet)
pH:
6.0-6.7
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, indeterminate, climber.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-pollinating. Bees and insects can help.
MATURITY:
60-90 days.
GERMINATION RATES:
82-91%
GERMINATION TIME:
9-14 days in ideal temperatures.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy in the right climate.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 380
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (Cherry Tomato)
The Cherry Tomato is believed to date back to 80,000 years ago!
The Tomato plant was first domesticated in 700 BC by Aztecs and Inca’s.
The foliage of tomato plants can be toxic to humans and some pets.
Tomatoes are full of nutritional goodness like Vitamin C, K1, Potassium, Folate & Beta Carotene. For more information about tomatoes and your health, click here.
