How to Plant Cherry Tomatoes from Fruit

Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice for gardeners due to their small size, sweet flavor, and versatility in cooking. While it’s common to purchase cherry tomato plants from nurseries or garden centers, you can also grow them from the fruit itself. Here’s how to plant cherry tomatoes from fruit:

Choose the Right Fruit

First, select a ripe cherry tomato that looks plump and healthy. Avoid any fruit that has mold, cracks, or soft spots as these can indicate disease or damage. It’s also best to choose an heirloom variety or one that hasn’t been hybridized to ensure consistent growth and flavor.

Extract the Seeds

Next, cut the cherry tomato in half horizontally using a sharp knife. Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out the pulp and seeds into a bowl. Then, cover the bowl with a cloth and leave it in a warm, dry place for a few days. This will allow the seeds to ferment and separate from the pulp, making them easier to extract.

Clean and Dry the Seeds

After a few days, remove the cloth and skim off any mold or debris that has formed on the surface of the water in the bowl. Then, pour the remaining mixture through a fine sieve to separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with water and spread them onto a paper towel to air dry. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before storing them.

Prepare the Soil

Choose an area in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil. Clear away any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and water retention.

Plant the Seeds

When the soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to plant your seeds. Dig a small hole for each seed, about ? inch deep, and space them at least two inches apart. Then, cover the seeds with soil and gently press down to ensure good contact.

Maintain and Harvest Your Plants

Water the seeds immediately after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once seedlings emerge, keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Cherry tomato plants require support as they grow, so consider using tomato cages or stakes to keep them upright.

Harvest cherry tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have a deep red color. Gently twist the fruit from the stem to avoid damaging the plant, and use them fresh in salads, sauces or roasted dishes. Cherry tomato plants can produce abundant fruit for several months, so continue to care for them and enjoy the harvest!