Growing cherry tomatoes from seeds is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to have full control over the growing process and ensures that you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful tomatoes right from your own garden.
To start, you will need tomato seeds. You can purchase them from garden centers or online, or you can even save seeds from tomatoes you’ve enjoyed eating. It’s important to note that hybrid varieties may not produce true to type from saved seeds, so if you want to ensure the same characteristics as the parent plant, it’s best to buy seeds specifically for that variety.
Once you have your seeds, it’s time to start the germination process. You can sow the seeds indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill a seed tray or individual pots with a seed starting mix, which is light and well-draining. Moisten the soil before sowing the seeds, as this will help with germination.
Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil and cover lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the tray or pots in a warm location, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), and provide them with plenty of light. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can use grow lights to ensure they receive enough light for healthy growth.
In about 7-14 days, you should start to see seedlings emerge. At this point, you can remove any covering you had on the seeds. As the seedlings grow, make sure to rotate them regularly to prevent them from leaning or bending towards the light source.
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, it’s time to thin them out if you have multiple seedlings in one pot or cell. Choose the strongest and healthiest seedling and snip off the others at the soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plant.
As the seedlings continue to grow, you’ll need to provide them with proper care. Make sure they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re growing them indoors, you may need to move them to a sunny window or continue using grow lights.
Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.
Around 2-3 weeks before the last frost date in your area, you can start hardening off the seedlings. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, such as placing them outside for a few hours each day and gradually increasing the time and intensity of exposure over the course of a week or two. This helps the plants acclimate to the outdoor environment and reduces the risk of transplant shock.
When the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have been hardened off, it’s time to transplant them into their final growing location. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or prepare large containers if you’re limited on space. Cherry tomatoes are well-suited for container gardening, especially compact varieties like Patio Hybrid.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling and gently remove it from its container. Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and lightly firm it around the base of the plant.
Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them settle into their new home. Continue to water regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, or more during hot and dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
As the plants grow, you may need to provide support in the form of stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the vines upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground. This is especially important for indeterminate cherry tomato varieties that can grow quite tall.
Keep an eye out for common tomato pests and diseases, such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and fungal diseases like early blight or powdery mildew. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of damage or disease and take appropriate action to manage them, whether it’s using organic pest control methods or removing affected leaves or fruits.
Harvesting cherry tomatoes is one of the most exciting parts of growing them from seeds. Depending on the variety, you can expect to start harvesting ripe tomatoes about 60-80 days after transplanting. Simply pick the tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Enjoy them fresh in salads, salsas, or as a delicious snack straight from the garden.
Remember, growing cherry tomatoes from seeds may require some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. With proper care and attention, you can have a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes to enjoy all season long.
