Crops › Cherry Tomato
How to grow Cherry Tomato
in the US
Sow February to March, plant out April, harvest April to May. About 65 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
If you've got a sunny spot, cherry tomatoes are a cracking choice for any backyard gardener, easy as anything. They're super productive, giving you loads of sweet little fruits all summer long, perfect for snacking or salads. Honestly, they're always a hit on my plot, just keep 'em watered and you'll be chuffed.
Sowing
You'll want to get your cherry tomato seeds started indoors, usually 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date, so they're proper strong seedlings ready to go out. Sow 'em about a quarter-inch (6mm) deep in good seed-starting mix, keeping them warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), if you can. For zone 5, aim for March or April; zone 6, February or March; zone 7, February or March; zone 8 and 9, you can get going as early as January or February. Like I say, it's about 65 days from sowing to your first harvest, so get 'em in when your zone says!
Growing on
Once your seedlings have two true leaves, carefully prick them out and pot them up into individual pots, giving their roots plenty of space. Before planting them out after all danger of frost has passed, you need to harden them off for a week or two, gradually getting them used to the outdoors. Space them about 1.5 to 2 feet (45-60 cm) apart. If you're growing indeterminate types, make sure you've got some strong trellising or stakes ready; they'll need that support to climb. They're also brilliant in containers or hanging baskets, mind.
Looking after it
Cherry tomatoes are thirsty plants, so keep that soil consistently moist, especially once they start setting fruit. Feed 'em with a good slow-release fertilizer when you plant out, and then every few weeks, you know. Good airflow is important to stop diseases from taking hold, so don't crowd 'em too much. For indeterminate types, you might want to pinch out the side shoots for bigger fruits, but it's not essential for a good harvest.
What goes wrong
To be honest, most of the time cherry tomatoes are pretty trouble-free, but you do get the odd pest. Keep an eye out for hornworms, those big green caterpillars; pick 'em off by hand. Aphids and whiteflies can be a nuisance too; a strong spray of water or some insecticidal soap usually sorts 'em. Cutworms can be a problem for young plants; a collar around the stem at planting time can save 'em.
Harvest
You'll be harvesting your cherry tomatoes before you know it, often starting around March to June, depending on when you sowed. Pick 'em when they're fully colored and feel a bit soft. Harvesting weekly keeps the vines productive, like I say, so don't be shy about picking. They taste best enjoyed fresh within 3-5 days; just store 'em at room temperature for the best flavor.
On my plot, I always make sure the trellis is proper strong and in place when I plant 'em out, saves disturbing the roots later on, you know what I mean.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Sungold Exceptionally sweet orange cherry clusters. These are a cracking choice for anyone who loves a super sweet, flavorful snack right off the vine. | No club votes yet |
| Super Sweet 100 High-yielding red cherries on long trusses. If you want loads of classic red cherries for salads and snacking, this one will keep you busy harvesting. | No club votes yet |
| Sweet Million Productive hybrid with crack-resistant fruits. This hybrid is a real workhorse, producing plenty of lovely, firm cherries that don't split easily. | No club votes yet |
| Sun Sugar Golden cherry with low cracking and intense sweetness. A proper golden treat, these little gems are incredibly sweet and hold up well on the vine without cracking. | No club votes yet |
| Black Cherry Rich, dark cherries with complex flavor. For something a bit different, these heirloom beauties offer a deep, sophisticated taste that's a gourmet's delight. | No club votes yet |
| Yellow Pear Distinct pear-shaped yellow cherries. These charming, mild-flavored yellow tomatoes are a fun novelty, especially good for getting kids interested in gardening. | No club votes yet |
| Tiny Tim Dwarf habit ideal for pots and windowsills. If you're short on space, this little plant is perfect for containers, even a sunny windowsill can give you a harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Gardener’s Delight Classic European cherry with balanced tart-sweet flavor. A proper classic for a reason, these deliver that reliable, balanced tomato taste everyone loves. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Cherry Tomato seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | January to April | March to June |
| Zone 4 | January to April | March to June |
| Zone 5 | March to April | May to June |
| Zone 6 | February to March | April to May |
| Zone 7 | February to March | April to May |
| Zone 8 | January to February | March to April |
| Zone 9 | January to February | March to April |
| Zone 10 | January to April | March to June |
Cook the harvest
Ripe cherry tomatoes are cooked in a hot pan until they burst and collapse into a glossy, jammy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. A handful of fresh basil and a generous finish of parmesan pull the dish together in under thirty minutes. This is peak-summer weeknight cooking at its absolute best.
25 min · easyThis American summer spin on the Sicilian classic replaces large tomatoes with sweet cherry tomatoes for a quicker, more vibrant sauce that clings to rigatoni alongside golden fried eggplant and salty ricotta salata. The cherry tomatoes break down into a jammy, bright sauce in under 15 minutes while the eggplant provides a silky, savory counterpoint. It is a dinner-worthy weeknight pasta that celebrates the peak of summer produce.
50 min · mediumA rustic free-form pastry cradles a ricotta and herb filling topped with overlapping layers of halved cherry tomatoes, their cut sides turned up so they roast into concentrated jewels of flavor. The rough-folded crust is buttery and flaky, making this galette as impressive to look at as it is to eat. Serve warm as a summer lunch or light dinner with a simple green salad.
70 min · mediumSweet, blistered cherry tomatoes form the base of this vibrant shakshuka, bubbling in a spiced sauce fragrant with cumin, paprika, and harissa. Eggs are cracked directly into the sauce and cooked until the whites are just set but the yolks remain runny. Serve straight from the skillet with crusty bread for the ultimate brunch or weeknight dinner.
35 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: Basil, Marigolds, Carrots, Onions
Questions people ask
When do you sow Cherry Tomato in the US?
Sow Cherry Tomato from February to March in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out April, after the last frost.
How long does Cherry Tomato take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 65 days, with the harvest April to May.
Which Cherry Tomato varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Sungold, Super Sweet 100, Sweet Million, Sun Sugar and more.
Track your Cherry Tomato from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.