Tomato Seeds - Cherry - Sweetie
65-70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycoperscium. Sweetie Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, cherry tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Widely considered one of the sweetest cultivars of the "super sweets," Sweetie cherry tomato seeds produce a robust summertime harvest boasting a significantly higher 12-14% sugar content than most cherry varieties. The Sweetie cherry is a reliably productive performer suitable for patios, planters, and gardening boxes. Ideal for Caprese salads and snacking. ~7,500 seeds/oz.
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To grow Sweetie tomatoes from seed, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the final spring frost date in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Plant 2-3 Sweetie seeds per cell, 1/4 inch deep, and keep the soil at 75°F. The seeds will germinate in 5-14 days. When the nighttime temperatures have consistently reached 60°F and above for two weeks, it's safe to transplant the seedlings, which you should have hardened off for two weeks. Choose a spot that hasn't grown related plants in the previous two years. Sweetie tomatoes are indeterminate, so they'll continue producing fruit throughout the season and require sturdy support. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and consider using mulch to maintain even soil temperatures and prevent weeds.
These tomatoes thrive in full sun, so ensure they receive adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Regular watering, while avoiding overwatering, is crucial to prevent issues like blossom end rot and ensure proper fruit development. Be on the lookout for common tomato pests such as aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Consider companion planting with marigolds, which act as natural pest repellents and can help keep your Sweetie tomato plants healthy. Prune unnecessary lower growth and suckers for better airflow and disease prevention, but be careful not to top off the main leader stem, as Sweetie tomatoes are indeterminate and continue to grow throughout the season. Support your plants with stakes or cages to keep them upright as they produce an abundance of sweet, cherry-sized fruits.
Harvesting Sweetie Tomatoes
When it comes to harvesting Sweetie tomatoes, it's important to know when they're ripe for the picking. Sweetie tomatoes are classified as an indeterminate variety, which means they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, providing a longer harvesting window. To determine the optimal harvest time, look for fully ripe tomatoes that have reached their full color, typically a vibrant red. The fruit should be firm and easily separable from the stem with a gentle twist. To harvest, simply grasp the tomato gently but firmly, and with a slight twist, it should come off the vine without much effort. Use shears or scissors for firmer, less ripe tomatoes if necessary. The indeterminate nature of Sweetie tomatoes allows for a continual harvest, so you can pick them as they ripen, ensuring you have a fresh supply of these sweet, cherry-sized delights throughout the season.
About Sweetie Tomato Garden Seeds
While specific records are limited, Sweetie tomatoes are often considered a type of heirloom cherry tomato. Heirloom varieties are prized for their rich history, having been passed down through families or communities for decades. The sweet and delightful taste of Sweetie tomatoes has contributed to their popularity over time, making them a cherished choice for home gardeners.
Sweetie tomatoes were not necessarily bred for a particular trait or growing climate, as they belong to the broader category of heirloom tomatoes. Heirlooms are valued for their flavor, uniqueness, and the preservation of heritage, rather than being developed for specific commercial or industrial purposes. Their adaptability and versatility make them suitable for a wide range of growing climates, and they are grown by gardeners with varying levels of experience.
In addition to their superb taste, Sweetie tomatoes are known for their versatility in the garden. They are suitable for container gardens, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space or wanting to grow tomatoes on patios or balconies. While they are not typically grown in hanging baskets due to their indeterminate growth habit and larger size compared to some basket-friendly cherry tomato varieties, they can still thrive in containers with proper support and care, providing a flavorful addition to your home garden.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"One unique tip for growing Sweetie tomatoes is to consider "tomato companion planting" with basil. The aromatic oils released by basil plants are believed to help repel certain tomato pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can be a common nuisance in tomato gardens. Planting basil near your Sweetie tomatoes not only provides a natural pest deterrent but also creates a visually appealing and flavorful combination, as you can conveniently harvest both basil leaves and Sweetie tomatoes for delicious caprese salads and other dishes. This harmonious pairing not only promotes healthy tomato growth but enhances the overall gardening experience with a delightful mix of fragrances and flavors in your garden."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Sweetie Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 500 mg packet - Approximately 127 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 600,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Sweetie Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) |
| Tomato Type: | Cherry - Small fruited tomatoes that are often round or pear shaped. Typically the size of marbles but still smaller than a golf ball. |
| Sweetie Tomato Color: | Red |
| Sweetie Tomato Flavor: | Grown for additional sugar compared to other cherry tomatoes |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 65-70 |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 18 to 36 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 36 to 96 Inches |
| Growth Habit: | Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F) |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
| Plant Width: | 18 to 36 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest from about 60 to 69 days (or less, depending on variety) from transplant to harvest. Including time for indoor seed starts, this can range to about 130 days (or less depending on the variety) from sowing the seed to harvest. To have a tomato by the 4th of July, you would have to start seeds indoors from mid to late February and transplant by mid-April at the latest. |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
| Tomato Use: | Salads, fresh eating, small slicing, etc. |