What hardiness zones is Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' suitable for?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b.

What are the sun requirements for Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry'?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' requires full sun.

How much water does Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' need?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' has moderate to high water needs.

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry', Red Cherry Tomato

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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry'

Red Cherry Tomato

UnknownSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitvining

Foliagedeciduous

Height4-6 feet

Width2-3 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9a - 11b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

Zone 10a

Zone 10b

Zone 11a

Zone 11b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' is a vigorous, indeterminate cherry tomato cultivar renowned for its prolific production of small, perfectly round fruits throughout the growing season. This compact yet sprawling plant typically reaches 4-6 feet in height with a characteristic vining growth habit that requires sturdy support structures. The deeply pinnately compound leaves are distinctively tomato-like, featuring serrated leaflets arranged alternately along the stem, with the characteristic pungent aroma when brushed or crushed. The plant produces abundant clusters of small yellow flowers that develop into cherry-sized fruits measuring 0.5-1 inch in diameter. The brilliant red, glossy fruits grow in pendant clusters of 6-12 tomatoes per truss, creating an ornamental display throughout the season. Each fruit features thin, tender skin enclosing juicy, flavorful flesh with small seed cavities. The continuous fruiting habit of Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' sets it apart from determinate varieties, providing fresh harvests from mid-summer through the first frost.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly in Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. Wild tomato species continue to thrive in these diverse mountainous regions, where they evolved across various microclimates from coastal valleys to high-altitude slopes. The species was first domesticated by indigenous peoples of the Andes before spreading to Central America and eventually worldwide through Spanish colonization.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' excels in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers with adequate support structures. The attractive clusters of bright red fruits provide ornamental value in edible landscape designs and kitchen gardens. Perfect for fresh eating, colorful salads, garnishes, and small-batch preserving projects. The continuous harvest capability makes it invaluable for home gardeners seeking fresh tomatoes throughout the entire growing season.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' can be readily identified by its characteristic tomato foliage consisting of deeply divided, compound leaves with irregularly serrated margins and the unmistakable strong, herbaceous aroma. The plant displays small, bright yellow star-shaped flowers arranged in drooping clusters that develop into perfectly round, cherry-sized red fruits. The fruits measure consistently 0.5-1 inch across and grow in distinctive pendulous clusters along the sprawling vines. The indeterminate growth pattern creates a continuous canopy of foliage and fruit production, requiring the support structures typical of vining tomato varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SummerFall

continuously from mid-summer through fall frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' thrives with consistent, deep watering 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent shallow irrigation, maintaining soil moisture through 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during early growth, transitioning to lower nitrogen formulations once flowering commences to encourage fruit development over excessive foliage. Install sturdy support systems including cages or stakes at planting time to accommodate the indeterminate growth habit and heavy fruit loads. Monitor regularly for common tomato pests such as hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies, while ensuring adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like early blight and powdery mildew.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' by consistently removing suckers that emerge in the crotch between main stems and lateral branches, directing plant energy toward fruit production while improving air circulation throughout the canopy. Remove lower leaves that contact soil to minimize soil-borne disease transmission. Throughout the growing season, eliminate yellowing, damaged, or diseased foliage promptly to maintain plant health. As growing season concludes, top plants by removing growing tips to concentrate energy into ripening existing fruits before frost arrives.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

The fully ripe red fruits of Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Cherry' are completely safe for human consumption and highly nutritious. However, all green plant parts including leaves, stems, and unripe green fruits contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are mildly toxic if consumed in significant quantities. Keep pets away from plant foliage and ensure only fully ripened red fruits are consumed by humans and animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

65–75 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil

parsley

marigolds

nasturtiums

carrots

lettuce

Avoid Planting With

fennel

brassicas

walnut trees

corn