What Does a Black Cherry Tomato Plant Look Like?

Black cherry tomatoes are a heritage variety of cherry tomato that is famous for its dark fruit that resembles a cherry in both size and shape. These plants are relatively easy to grow and are perfect for gardeners who want to add some color to their vegetable gardens. Here, we describe what a black cherry tomato plant looks like.

Plant Appearance

Black cherry tomato plants are fairly compact and usually grow to about 3-6 feet tall. These plants have a stocky stem with a central leader and plenty of lateral branches. The leaves are dark green, and they usually grow to be about 2-3 inches long. They have a smooth, slightly glossy texture and a slightly serrated edge. The flowers of the black cherry tomato plant are small, yellow, and star-shaped, and they usually bloom in the late spring.

Fruit Appearance

The fruit of the black cherry tomato plant is what makes this variety so unique. The fruit is small, red or black, and similar in size to a cherry. The fruit clusters of the black cherry tomato plant usually contain 6-12 fruits. The fruit itself is firm, slightly sweet, and slightly tart with a slightly acidic taste. When ripe, the fruit has a deep, dark color that is almost black in appearance. The skin of the fruit is smooth, and the fruit itself is juicy and meaty. Some fruit may have green shoulders, which is a natural characteristic of the cultivar.

Planting and Care

Black cherry tomato plants are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. These plants also require plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures to thrive. Black cherry tomato plants should be planted in the spring, after the last frost, and should be spaced about 18-24 inches apart. These plants require regular watering, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing black cherry tomato plants is also crucial for healthy growth and abundant fruit production. These plants require a well-balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, starting about 3-4 weeks after planting.

Insects and Diseases

Like all tomato plants, black cherry tomato plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can negatively impact growth and fruit production. Common pests include aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Diseases that can impact black cherry tomato plants include early and late blight, blossom end rot, and septoria leaf spot. Preventing these diseases by practicing good gardening practices is essential, including proper watering and sanitation to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Conclusion

Black cherry tomato plants are a unique and eye-catching addition to any vegetable garden. These plants are relatively easy to grow and care for, as long as they are given plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and regular fertilization. The fruit of the black cherry tomato plant is sweet, juicy, and meaty, with a unique color that sets it apart from other cherry tomato varieties. With proper care, these plants can produce an abundant harvest of delicious fruit that is perfect for snacking, salads, and more.