When to Plant Cherry Tomatoes in Seattle

Seattle is known for its cool climate and mild temperatures year-round. If you are a gardening enthusiast or a foodie who loves to cook with fresh ingredients, you may be wondering when is the best time to plant cherry tomatoes in this city. In this article, we'll explore the factors that affect cherry tomatoes' growth in Seattle and the optimal planting time to ensure a healthy and abundant harvest.

Climate and Soil Conditions in Seattle

Seattle's climate is classified as a marine west coast climate, which means it has moderate temperatures, high humidity levels, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. These weather conditions are ideal for growing cherry tomatoes as they thrive in moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.

However, Seattle's soil is primarily composed of clay and loam, which makes it heavy and not conducive to seed germination and plant growth. Therefore, it's essential to improve the soil quality by adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to provide the necessary nutrients and to ensure that the soil is well-aerated.

Choosing the Right Cherry Tomato Variety

Before you start planting cherry tomatoes, you need to choose the right variety that can withstand Seattle's weather conditions. Indeterminate varieties are ideal for this region as they can grow up to six feet tall, yield a continuous harvest, and are resistant to common diseases such as blight and verticillium wilt.

Some of the best cherry tomato varieties to grow in Seattle include Sungold, Sweet Million, and Sun Sugar, which have a high sugar content and a sweet and tangy flavor that makes them perfect for snacking and salads.

When to Plant Cherry Tomatoes in Seattle

The optimal time to plant cherry tomatoes in Seattle is in early spring, after the last frost, which usually occurs around mid-April. However, if you want to get a head start on the growing season, you can start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors when they reach 6-8 inches in height.

If you miss the planting window in the spring, you can still plant cherry tomatoes in the summer in Seattle. Around mid-July, you can start a second crop by planting the seeds directly into the garden or transplanting seedlings outdoors. The second crop will be ready for harvest in late summer or early fall.

Tips for Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Seattle

Here are some tips to help you grow healthy and delicious cherry tomatoes in Seattle:

Provide full sun exposure - cherry tomatoes require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.

Water regularly - water cherry tomatoes regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize periodically - feed your cherry tomatoes with a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks to promote growth and fruit production.

Prune regularly - remove the suckers that grow between the main stem and the branches to increase air circulation and prevent diseases.

Harvest regularly - pick cherry tomatoes when they are fully ripe to encourage more fruit production.

Conclusion

Seattle's mild climate and abundant rainfall make it an excellent place to grow cherry tomatoes. By following the tips in this article and planting at the optimal time, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes all summer long.