HOW TO GROW SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (Tomato Cherry Roma)
Click Here to View Full Description for Cherry Roma Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum ( Cherry Roma ) tomato probably doesn’t need an introduction, it is a very popular mini tomato that is available in supermarkets and is a home gardener favourite. This open pollinated, indeterminate, variety of tomato has a nice firm skin and a delicious, tasty flesh, making it great in salads & sandwiches, for a bite size snack, or our personal favourite; fried with some mushrooms.
This variety is quoted by many as an heirloom but it is very difficult to find evidence of its age & heritage. Cherry tomatoes in general have a very disputed history, considering the first reference to them can be found as far back as the 1623’s. Cherry Roma tomatoes are often also referred to as ‘Grape tomatoes’.
Suitable for all climates.
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Growth
The Cherry Roma Tomato plant is a medium growing, indeterminate plant, which can reach up to 1.5m (5 feet) high and 1m (3) feet in width. It is important to provide some support for tomato plants, especially indeterminate ones. This is best done in the form of stakes, tomato frames, lattice or similar and train/tie the plant to as it grows. Supporting tomato plants this way will increase air circulation & sunlight to branches, while also assisting with disease and pest reduction; you will get a healthier, more bountiful crop this way.
When cared for well this variety is quite quick growing and can produce fruit in as little as 85-110 days from seed. Cherry Roma fruit grows to an average of 2.5-4cm in length and is a high yielding variety.
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:
1.5 metres (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.0-6.7
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, indeterminate, climber.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-pollinating. Bees and insects can help.
MATURITY:
85-110 days from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
86-92%
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 Roma Tomato)
Roma Cherry tomatoes or Grape tomatoes a s some countries call them, have thicker skins and last longer in storage than other cherry tomatoes. This makes them hardier for transporting, this is probably one of the many reasons they’ve become so popular at the supermarket.
Historians have found proof that the Mesoamerican natives were growing tomatoes in 500BC. Historically, Mesoamerica is the area covering almost all central America & the southern parts of Nth America.
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.
