Cherry tomatoes are an excellent addition to many meals. You can sprinkle them on salads, roast them for intense flavor, or eat them like candy. Many varieties of cherry tomatoes can range in shape, size, and color. Some varieties can be as small as a grape, while others can be as large as golf balls. They can be perfectly round or more of an oblong shape. Most fall into a color range of red to green, but some may come in shades closer to purple and black.
They are extremely versatile and easy to grow fruit. These fruits are great for beginners and can be tucked into almost any garden design. Many bush varieties are stable in nature, and the fruit ripens in a very short time. Climbing varieties need support structures like cages, fences, railings, or ties as they often grow over ten feet tall.
Cherry tomato plants are a common choice for container gardens. With the proper support, climbing varieties can be grown in large containers. You can place containers in your kitchen for easy access or wherever they get the best sun exposure.
Cherry Tomato Options
- ‘The Smarty’ is a full-flavored red grape tomato that grows on a compact, lush plant. Smarty is one of only a few compact indeterminate tomatoes that will continue to produce high yields throughout the season.
- ‘The Indigo Rose’ is also included in this group of varieties. This variety produces a striking, dark purple tomato, with 2/3 of the top turning black and the bottom turning a deep red. It’s also rich in powerful antioxidants and has the same flavor as heirloom tomatoes.
- ‘The Super Sweet 100’ cherry tomato is a classic cherry tomato well-known for its large clusters of sweet red fruits.
- ‘The Sunrise Bumblebee’ has a sweet, tangy taste and is a colorful surprise. The fruit usually matures to bright yellow with red stripes.
- ‘The Reisentraube’ cherry tomato is originally from Germany. Their name means “giant bunches of grapes” and is in reference to how they grow. The tomato plant is very prolific and produces clusters of 20-40 tomatoes.
Soulmates On and Off the Plate
Basil is a great companion for tomatoes. Basil will make your meals taste better and pair well with the tomatoes you have grown. Planting basil with tomatoes also helps both plants thrive in the garden. Basil repels insects like hornworms and flies, which are commonly attracted to tomatoes.
