How to Cultivate Cherry Tomatoes in 90 Days: Simple Tips for Home Gardening

Cherry tomatoes are truly a joy to enjoy. While they may not be suitable for curries, they can certainly enhance the flavor of salads, soups, and even pizzas.

Cherry tomatoes are abundant in antioxidants, which could aid in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and skin deterioration. Cherry tomatoes are calorie-efficient while being rich in fiber, as well as vitamins A and C. They also contain carotenoid antioxidants, including lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene.

If you’re interested in cultivating them at home, here are a few straightforward steps to get you started.

Choosing the Right Seed

Selecting the appropriate seed is crucial for promoting faster growth in tomatoes. It is essential to choose a healthy seed variety. For balcony gardening, cherry tomato varieties such as Tiny Tim are highly recommended.

The Right Pot

To ensure healthy root development and provide adequate support for the weight of the growing tomatoes, it is important to select an appropriate pot size. A pot that is 10 to 12 inches deep and sufficiently wide will be ideal for this purpose.

Use the Perfect  Soil

To successfully cultivate Cherry tomatoes within a 90-day timeframe, it is essential to ensure the soil is of the highest quality. A recommended blend would include garden soil, sand, cocopeat, and compost, with the addition of wood chips placed near the drainage holes to enhance aeration and drainage.

Keeping the Pot at the Right Place

To ensure optimal growth conditions for cherry tomatoes within a 90-day period, it is advisable to place the pot in an area that receives ample sunlight. The location should provide a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight during the germination phase, with increased exposure recommended once the leaves begin to multiply.

Watering the Plant

To ensure the plant thrives and avoids root rot, which can hinder its ability to produce fruit, it is advisable to mist and lightly spray water around the soil for the first few days. This approach will maintain moisture without oversaturating the soil. Once germination occurs, you can begin regular watering.

Trellis

As the plant reaches a significant height, it becomes essential to incorporate a trellis to support the weight of the fruit. A simple wooden trellis or a bamboo stake can be utilized to provide the necessary support, helping to prevent any branches from breaking as the plant continues to grow.

Prune the Plant

To encourage healthy growth in the plant, it is essential to prune it appropriately. Initially, the plant will develop flowers, preceded by an abundance of leaves. It is advisable to remove any leaves that are yellowing or blackening, as well as those that contribute to an overly dense appearance of the plant or its stems.

Flowering stage

The Cherry tomato plant typically enters its flowering stage approximately 5 to 6 weeks after planting, which translates to around 35 to 40 days. During this time, the plant will showcase lovely white flowers and golden buds. However, it is important to note that these flowers will eventually wilt and give way to the development of fruit.

Harvest time

As the tomatoes start to flower, they will maintain a light green hue for approximately 15 days. Following this period, they will transition to either red or yellow, depending on the variety of the seeds, indicating that they are ready for picking and harvesting.