fruit vegetable

Black Cherry Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Cherry'

The Story

Plant Bio

Indeterminate cherry tomato variety known for its sweet flavor and rich color.

Produces small, sweet, dark red to black fruits, which are considered excellent for salads and snacking.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid black cherry tomatoes add striking color to salads and dishes, making gardens vibrant and edible.
Practical UsesProvides fresh, organic tomatoes high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and beneficial insects with its flowers.
SpeciesSolanum lycopersicumTomato

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

84 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Leaves, stems, and unripe fruit are toxic; ripe fruit is edible.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose well-draining, fertile soil and plant seedlings after the last frost.
  2. Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep and water gently to keep soil moist.
  3. Provide full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily for optimal growth.
  4. Stake or cage plants early to support the heavy fruit load.
  5. Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  6. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced tomato fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to improve soil fertility and boost flavor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base of the plant 🌱
  • Prune suckers to promote airflow and fruit production
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Don't

  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease ❌
  • Don’t over-fertilize, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer fruits
  • Never disturb roots during flowering period

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible garden borderVivid fruit display on trellisesColorful container centerpiece

Companion Plants

Basil Marigolds Chives Carrots Lettuce

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Cherry Tomato questions

What zones can Black Cherry Tomato grow in?

Black Cherry Tomato is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black Cherry Tomato deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Cherry Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Black Cherry Tomato bloom?

Black Cherry Tomato typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Black Cherry Tomato need full sun?

Black Cherry Tomato does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Black Cherry Tomato with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.