Tomato Seeds - Cherry - Chocolate Cherry
70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycoperscium. Chocolate Cherry Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, indeterminate cherry tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, greenhouses, and containers. Resistant to disorders. It is an attractive cherry tomato with an exceptionally rich and tangy flavor. Red/brown fruit are born in clusters on a bushy, indeterminate vine. ~10,000 seeds/oz.
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Growing Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To cultivate Chocolate Cherry tomatoes, begin by starting the seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date, as they require a longer growing season. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep in a well-draining, slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8 pH) potting mix. Maintain a germination temperature between 65-85°F and ensure they receive ample sunlight or artificial light. Once the seedlings have developed, transplant them outdoors when the threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 50°F. Space the plants 24-36 inches apart in rows with 36 inches between rows.
These indeterminate tomatoes benefit from staking to support their sprawling growth habit. Consistent watering is essential; keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Chocolate Cherry tomatoes grow well alongside companion plants like basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums, which can help deter pests and improve flavor. Additionally, applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Harvesting Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes
Chocolate Cherry tomatoes are indeterminate varieties, meaning they continue to produce throughout the growing season. Harvesting is an ongoing process. To determine when to pick these delectable tomatoes, look for signs of ripeness. They should have a deep, rich color, be slightly soft to the touch, and easily come off the vine with a gentle twist. You can harvest them individually as they ripen or in clusters. Using a pair of clean, sharp garden shears or scissors is recommended to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to check your Chocolate Cherry tomato plants regularly, as they tend to produce a steady supply of sweet, fruity-flavored tomatoes, making them a delightful addition to salads, fresh snacks, and various culinary creations throughout the growing season.
About Chocolate Cherry Tomato Garden Seeds
This cherry tomato was developed by Aaron Whaley of A.P. Whaley Seed Co to be superior and more uniform than the Black Cherry Tomato.
These small, cherry-sized tomatoes are known for their sweet and fruity taste, often described as having a deep and rich tomato flavor with subtle hints of earthiness. The combination of their sweet and complex flavor, along with their unique coloration, makes them a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.
Chocolate Cherry tomatoes can be suitable for container gardening, but they do require a relatively large container due to their indeterminate growth habit. When planting them in containers, choose a container with a minimum depth of 18 inches and a diameter of 24 inches or more. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. If you plan to grow them in hanging baskets, it's essential to choose a sturdy basket with proper support as the plants can become quite tall and heavy. Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture and provides good drainage.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Keep an eye on the plants throughout the growing season. Prune any excessive growth and side shoots to channel the plant's energy into fruit production."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Chocolate Cherry Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 125 mg packet - Approximately 44 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Chocolate Cherry 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. |
| Chocolate Cherry Tomato Color: | Red, Black, Brown |
| Chocolate Cherry Tomato Flavor: | sweet, fruity flavor |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 70 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 24 to 36 Inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 60 to 72 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: | 24 to 36 Inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. It's tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Resistant to disorders. 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, Container, |
| Tomato Use: | Salads, fresh eating, etc. |