Tomate cerise

Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme

Plant Description

A vibrant fruit known for its round, glossy skin and bite-sized sweetness. Cherry tomatoes grow prolifically on trailing or vining plants and thrive in containers or garden beds alike. These fast-producing plants are ideal for snacking, salads, and grilling.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Days to Sprout: 6–14 days
  • Days to Harvest: 60–70 days
  • Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches
  • Seeds per Hole: 1–2
  • Plant Type: Warm-Season Annual
  • Planting Depth: ¼ inch

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds: Perfect for rows or clustered with space for staking or cages.
  • Raised Beds: Improves drainage and encourages earlier growth in cool climates.
  • Containers: Excellent choice—select a container at least 5 gallons in size with strong support.

Getting Started

  1. Start Indoors: Begin 6–8 weeks before last frost date. Transplant outdoors when temperatures stay above 55°F at night.
  2. Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining soil with compost or organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.2–6.8.
  3. Support: Stake or cage plants early to support heavy clusters of fruit.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Basil, carrots, lettuce, onions, parsley.

Avoid Planting Near: Corn, fennel, and potatoes—can share pests or suppress growth.

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Bees and pollinators during bloom; some varieties also attract beneficial wasps.

Repels: Interplant with basil and marigolds to help deter aphids and hornworms.

When to Plant

  • Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before last expected frost.
  • Outdoors: Transplant once danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to 60°F.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Water deeply at the base 1–2 times per week; avoid wetting foliage.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during growing season.
  • Pruning: Remove suckers (side shoots) for better airflow and larger fruit yields.

Harvest

  • Pick fruits when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
  • Cherry tomatoes ripen quickly—harvest often to prevent cracking or pest damage.
  • Use scissors or snip clusters gently to avoid breaking stems.

Uses

  • Fresh: Snack right off the vine, toss in salads, or add to charcuterie boards.
  • Cooked: Roast, grill, or sauté for a burst of concentrated flavor.
  • Preserved: Excellent for sun-drying, quick pickling, or canning in sauce.

How to Store

  • Short Term: Store at room temperature on the counter for up to a week. Do not refrigerate.
  • Long Term: Freeze whole (after washing) or dehydrate to store for months.