Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Cherry'
Black Cherry Tomato
Open-pollinated cultivar (developed by Vince Sapp, Florida); the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Cherry' is Black Cherry tomato, an indeterminate heirloom annual vine growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on stakes or cages. Round cherry tomatoes 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter in clusters of 6-12. The fruit ripens from green to deep purple-brown to near-black on the shoulders — the dark color is from anthocyanin pigments overlaying the red lycopene. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers. Medium to dark green pinnately compound foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Open-pollinated (heirloom): developed by Vince Sapp (Florida) — seed can be saved. Indeterminate: continues producing until frost. The anthocyanin development requires warm temperatures (above 75°F / 24°C) and direct sun — the dark color is weaker in cool or cloudy conditions. No hybrid disease resistance: susceptible to late blight, early blight, and cracking. The thin skin cracks in heavy rain — the primary limitation. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Remove suckers weekly. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar developed by Vince Sapp (Florida). The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Dark purple-brown cherry tomato. Indeterminate — produces until frost. Open-pollinated — save seeds. No disease resistance. Cracks in rain. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in clusters. Self-pollinating. Fruit 75-80 days from transplant. Indeterminate: continuous production until frost.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in clustersFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, pinnately compound with toothed leafletsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Indeterminate — stake or cage (6-8 feet / 180-240 cm). Remove suckers weekly. No disease resistance. Thin skin cracks in rain. Consistent watering. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly from leaf axils. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Harvest when deep purple-brown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After last frost when soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F (16 degrees C)+
Days to Maturity
75–80 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches