Everyone wants to grow delicious black cherry tomatoes, but unfortunately, you can’t just plant seeds and expect a bountiful harvest.
Beyond the disappointment of sparse yields, research shows that improper planting and care can lead to disease and pest issues, negatively impacting the overall health of your garden.
Fortunately, many experienced gardeners have found that following specific planting and care guidelines can increase your chances of planting black cherry tomatoes plants.
What are Black Cherry Tomatoes?
They are a unique variety of cherry tomatoes known for their small size and dark purple/black color.
While similar in shape to regular cherry tomatoes, black cherry tomatoes have an amazingly rich color that makes them a real eye-catcher in the garden or on a plate.
These tomatoes are packed with the same nutritious properties as other tomatoes, like vitamin C and lycopene, while adding a beautiful visual element.
History and Development
Black cherry tomatoes were first developed in the early 2000s by tomato breeders who wanted to create an ornamental cherry tomato variety for the garden.
Through cross-breeding different heirloom tomatoes, they produced a tomato with all the same great flavor but a striking deep purple/black color.
Their small size and coloration make them a favorite variety for containers, hanging baskets and ornamental displays.
Choosing and Planting Black Cherry Tomatoes Seedlings
Black cherry tomatoes can be started from seed indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring frost date for transplanting outdoors.
They also perform well when directly seeded outdoors after danger of frost has passed. When starting seeds, use biodegradable pots or cell packs and a seed-starting mix. Provide warm conditions and ample sunlight.
Light and Soil Requirements
Like other tomatoes, they need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for optimal production.
They grow best in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost or other organic matter. Heavy clay soil should be improved with organic additions. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8.
Planting Details
Space plants 24-36 inches apart in the garden bed or large containers. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with surrounding soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting for Every Garden Style
Caring for Your Black Cherry Tomato Plants
Black cherry tomato plants are fairly low maintenance but do require regular watering, fertilizing, and pest management to thrive. Here are some key care tips:
Watering
These tomato plants have shallow roots, so the first few inches of soil should be kept consistently moist but not soaked. Water deeply once a week unless rainfall provides 1 inch of water.
Fertilizing
Feed black cherry tomato plants with a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Fish emulsion and compost tea work well. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote vegetation over flowering or fruiting.
Pruning Suckers
Prune off any suckers (The stem that forms where the leaf joins the main stem) to concentrate the plant’s energy into bigger tomatoes. This allows for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, too.
Staking or Caging
Staking or caging individual black cherry tomato plants supports them and keeps the fruits off the ground. Options include bamboo stakes, wire cages, or a spiral tomato cage. Install cages when planting to avoid damaging roots.
Common Pests
Keep an eye out for hornworms, aphids, and blossom end rot. Hornworms can quickly defoliate plants so pick them off by hand. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can control aphids. Prevent blossom end rot by maintaining even soil moisture.
Harvesting Black Cherry Tomatoes
They will start ripening around 65–75 days after transplanting outdoors. They are ready to pick when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch, but still firm. Use pruning shears or snippers to remove the whole cluster.
Storage Tips
Remove any damaged or diseased fruits before storage. Ripe black cherry tomatoes can be kept on the kitchen counter for 3-5 days. For longer storage, retain firm tomatoes in the fridge in a loose plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
Estimated Yield
A mature plant will produce 1-2 pounds of fruit throughout the growing season if conditions are optimal. Expect multiple flushes of tomatoes from summer through early fall. Yields may vary slightly per variety.
Cooking with Black Cherry Tomatoes
Their sweet yet tangy flavor makes black cherry tomatoes a standout addition to all sorts of warm-weather dishes. Their small size also makes them convenient for on-the-go snacking. Here are some preparation ideas:
Salads
Toss whole or halved black cherry tomatoes into pasta salads, chicken salads, or your favorite green salad for color, flavor and texture.
Bruschetta
Toss chopped black cherries with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a colorful and nutritious bruschetta topping.
Salsa
Mix black cherry tomatoes with onions, peppers, cilantro and lime juice for a unique salsa recipe.
Pasta
Toss hot-cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil and parmesan for a quick summer meal.
Preserving Options
They are perfect for canning whole or in tomato sauce, salsa or jam. Follow tested recipes and pressure cans for long-term shelf stability.
Snacking
Fresh off the plant, black cherry tomatoes make an appetizing, healthy snack. Skewer tomatoes with mozzarella balls for an elegant appetizer.
Black Cherry Tomato Varieties to Consider
While any variety will produce tasty results, here are some of the top-recommended black cherry tomato types:
Big Black
A heavy producer of extra-large black cherry tomatoes all season. Vigorous vines are disease-resistant.
Carbon
Highly decorative trusses of miniature black fruits with excellent sweet flavor. Compact plants please patio gardeners.
Black from Tula
Heirloom varieties date to 19th-century Russia. Delivers clusters of jet-black tomatoes with rich, complex taste.
Black Icicle
A staked variety bearing long, decorative icicle-shaped fruits. Earlier harvests and higher yields than typical black cherries.
Bush Cherry
A self-heading dwarf variety is perfect for containers. Compact 2-foot plants produce abundant cherry-sized tomatoes.
FAQs About Growing Black Cherry Tomatoes
Do they renew each year?
Black cherry tomato plants are determinate, meaning they will not regrow from the base if allowed to fully vine out. Start new plants from seed each spring.
How do they compare to other cherry types?
Black cherry tomatoes share the cherry-sized fruits of other cherry varieties but stand out for their unique coloration. Flavor profiles vary between types, but most cherry tomatoes offer a rich, mildly sweet taste.
Can they be grown in containers?
Yes! Black cherry tomatoes are excellent choices for patio pot and container gardening. Their small stature fits well in pots or hanging baskets. Use a soil-based potting mix and supply adequate sunshine and water.
Conclusion
Black cherry tomatoes make a stunning, nutrient-dense addition to any home garden or container display. Their prolific, bite-sized fruits provide an easy harvest perfect for salads, snacks and cooking.
Gardeners will enjoy watching these colorful tomatoes attract pollinators all season long. With their compact vines and resistance to many common diseases, black cherry tomatoes prove an excellent choice for bringing beauty, flavor and nutrition to any kitchen garden.