Cherrytomaat

Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme

Engels: Cherry Tomato

vegetableSolanaceaeEetbaar

Cherrytomaat (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is a edible vegetable from the Solanaceae family that grows up to 150cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate maintenance. Blooms in summer with yellow flowers and attracts bees.

Hoogte

30–150 cm

Breedte

30–100 cm

Zonligging

full sun

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, sandy soil

Onderhoud

moderate maintenance

Bloeitijd

summer

Bloemkleuren

yellow

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Cherry tomatoes are frost-tender annuals that must be planted after all risk of frost has passed, typically from late April through May in temperate Europe. Choose a position in full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight daily—as this is essential for fruit production and flavour. They thrive in loam or sandy soil that drains freely; heavy clay should be improved with plenty of organic matter and grit to prevent waterlogging, which encourages root diseases. Prepare the planting site by digging in well-rotted compost or manure a few weeks beforehand. If growing in containers, use a large pot (at least 30 cm diameter) filled with quality multipurpose or tomato-specific compost. Space plants 50 cm apart in the ground to allow good air circulation and reduce fungal problems. When planting out young plants, bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves; tomatoes will develop additional roots along the buried portion, creating a stronger root system. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch—compost, well-rotted manure, or straw—around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it a few centimetres clear of the stem itself. Most cherry tomato varieties grow tall and require support: install a sturdy cane, stake, or trellis at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later. Tie the main stem loosely as it grows. Determinate (bush) varieties need less support but still benefit from a short stake or cage to keep fruit off the ground.

Pruning

Cherry tomatoes don't require pruning in the traditional sense, but regular attention from June through August will improve yields and plant health. The approach depends on whether your variety is indeterminate (cordon) or determinate (bush). Most cherry tomatoes are indeterminate, producing side shoots in the leaf axils where branches meet the main stem. These side shoots, or "suckers," should be pinched out weekly while still small and soft—simply snap them off with your fingers. Removing them channels the plant's energy into the main stem and fruiting trusses rather than excessive leafy growth. Work through the plant systematically from bottom to top, checking every leaf joint. If a side shoot has grown large and woody, use clean secateurs to avoid tearing the stem. In late July or early August, pinch out the growing tip of indeterminate varieties (the very top of the main stem) once four or five fruit trusses have formed. This practice, called "stopping," encourages the plant to ripen existing fruit before autumn rather than producing more flowers that won't mature in time. Also remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves throughout the season to improve air flow and reduce the spread of blight. Determinate bush varieties need far less intervention—just remove obviously damaged foliage and let them grow naturally. Avoid over-pruning any variety, as leaves are needed for photosynthesis and to shade developing fruit from scorching. Always work on dry days to minimise the risk of spreading fungal spores, and wash your hands between plants if blight is present in your area.

Maintenance

Cherry tomatoes need consistent watering to prevent problems like blossom end rot and split fruit. Water deeply two to three times per week during dry weather, aiming for the soil rather than the foliage to reduce fungal disease risk. Container-grown plants dry out faster and may need daily watering in hot spells. Erratic watering—allowing the soil to dry out then flooding it—causes fruit to crack, so aim for steady, even moisture throughout the growing season. Begin feeding in May once the first flowers appear. Use a high-potash liquid tomato fertiliser (the type sold for flowering plants and tomatoes) every seven to ten days through May, June, and July, following the label instructions. High-potash feeds promote flowering and fruiting; avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Stop feeding once fruiting slows in late summer. Cherry tomatoes are not winter-hardy (zone 10a–11b) and will be killed by the first autumn frost. In temperate Europe they're grown as annuals; pull up and compost plants in October once cropping finishes, but do not compost any foliage showing signs of blight—bin or burn it instead. The main disease threat is tomato blight (Phytophthora infestans), especially in warm, humid weather from July onwards. Watch for brown patches on leaves and stems; remove affected growth immediately and consider a preventative copper-based spray in high-risk years. Glasshouse whitefly and aphids can also be troublesome under cover; use biological controls or insecticidal soap. Refresh mulch mid-season to maintain moisture levels and suppress weeds.