Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Cherry Orange Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To successfully plant Sweet Orange Cherry tomatoes, start by sowing the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches in seed trays or pots filled with a quality seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a warm temperature of around 65-85°F for germination, which usually occurs within 7-10 days. Once your seedlings are strong and have a few sets of leaves, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over the course of about a week. This process, known as hardening off, helps them adjust to the outdoor environment. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and plant them in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. For proper spacing, allow 24 to 36 inches between each Sweet Orange Cherry tomato plant, with 36 inches between rows. These indeterminate plants can grow up to 60 inches in height, so providing sturdy support such as a trellis or cage is essential.
Regularly prune the lower leaves of the tomato plants to enhance airflow and reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base of the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Consider planting basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums near your Sweet Orange Cherry tomatoes. These companion plants can help deter pests and improve overall garden health. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so provide a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting and again during the growing season, following package instructions.
Harvesting Cherry Orange Tomatoes
These tomatoes are classified as indeterminate varieties, which means they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. This extended harvest period allows you to enjoy a steady supply of ripe tomatoes. Sweet Orange Cherry tomatoes are typically ready to harvest when they reach their full orange color and have a slightly firm texture. They should be plump and glossy, signaling that they are ripe and flavorful. Ripe cherry tomatoes emit a sweet, fruity aroma, and they should easily detach from the vine with a slight twist or tug. Examine the cluster of tomatoes on the vine, and if some are ripe while others are still green, selectively harvest the ripe ones. Visit your tomato plants regularly to pick ripe fruit and use a basket or container to collect them. Expect to harvest these indeterminate varieties every few days during the growing season.
About Cherry Orange Tomato Garden Seeds
Like all tomato varieties, Orange cherry tomatoes trace their ancestry back to the wild tomato, which originated in coastal South America, primarily in regions of Peru and the Galapagos Islands. These small, sweet, and vibrant tomatoes demonstrate the long journey of tomato domestication that spans centuries. The transformation from their wild ancestors into the delectable cherry tomatoes we know today is a testament to the dedication and skill of generations of farmers and horticulturists. Through careful selection and cultivation, they honed the desirable traits of flavor, color, and size, ultimately giving rise to the Sweet Orange Cherry tomato we enjoy in modern gardens and kitchens.
These tomatoes were primarily cultivated for their delightful sweet flavor and small, snackable size, which makes them suitable for fresh eating and adding to salads. Their versatility in the kitchen has made them a sought-after variety for culinary purposes.
Sweet Orange Cherry tomatoes can be suitable for container gardens and hanging baskets, provided you choose the right-sized containers and baskets. When selecting containers or baskets, opt for those that are at least 5 gallons in size to accommodate the root system of the indeterminate plants. The indeterminate growth habit means they can get quite tall and produce fruit continuously throughout the season, so they will need support, such as stakes or cages, especially in hanging baskets. Additionally, make sure the containers have proper drainage to prevent overwatering.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Practice consistent and deep watering. Tomatoes generally prefer soil that remains evenly moist, as fluctuations in moisture levels can lead to problems like blossom end rot and cracking. Ensure your container or garden bed has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, and water the plants deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Additionally, it's a good idea to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Consistent watering, especially during hot and dry periods, will help promote healthy growth and flavorful fruit production."
 |
- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer
|
Other Resources
Cherry Orange Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 90 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Cherry Orange Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.