When to Harvest Cherry Tomatoes from Plant

Cherry tomatoes are a popular vegetable among gardeners due to their sweet and tangy flavor, small size, and ease of growing. Knowing when to harvest cherry tomatoes from the plant is essential. The ripe cherry tomatoes are delicious, juicy, and full of flavor. If you harvest the cherry tomatoes too early or too late, you might compromise the flavor, texture, or yield. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize ripe cherry tomatoes and when to harvest them from the plant.

How to Recognize Ripe Cherry Tomatoes

The first step in knowing when to harvest cherry tomatoes from the plant is to recognize the ripe ones. Cherry tomatoes come in different colors, ranging from green to yellow, orange, red, or even black. However, the majority of cherry tomatoes mature into a bright red color. To differentiate ripe cherry tomatoes from green or unripe ones, check the following characteristics:

The color: As mentioned, ripe cherry tomatoes have a bright red color. If they are yellow, orange, or dark, they might be fully ripe as well. Avoid harvesting green or pale tomatoes as they are not fully matured.

The texture: Ripe cherry tomatoes are firm but not hard. They should give slightly when squeezed but not squash entirely. Unripe tomatoes feel hard or stiff.

The smell: Ripe cherry tomatoes have a strong, sweet smell that is noticeable when you bring them closer to your nose. Unripe tomatoes lack the fragrance.

The taste: The best way to verify whether a cherry tomato is ripe is to taste it. If it is sweet, juicy, and flavorful, it is ripe. If it is sour, bland, or mealy, it is not yet matured.

When to Harvest Cherry Tomatoes from Plant

Now that you know how to recognize ripe cherry tomatoes, the next question is when to harvest them from the plant. The timing of harvest depends on various factors such as the type of cherry tomato, the local weather conditions, and personal preference. However, here are some general guidelines:

Harvest cherry tomatoes when they are fully ripe. Do not rush to harvest them prematurely as they will not ripen after being picked.

Check the cherry tomato plants regularly, every 2-3 days, for ripe tomatoes. Some types of cherry tomatoes may ripen faster or slower than others, so check their growth rate as well.

Harvest cherry tomatoes in the morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. This minimizes the risk of sunscald or damage to the fruits.

Use a sharp knife, scissors, or your hands to pick the cherry tomatoes gently from the plant. Do not pull or twist the tomatoes as you might damage the stem or the plant.

Avoid harvesting cherry tomatoes during rainy or wet days as they might be prone to cracking or rotting. Wait for the sun to dry them off before picking.

Conclusion

Knowing when to harvest cherry tomatoes from the plant is crucial to maximizing their flavor, yield, and quality. Ripe cherry tomatoes have a bright red color, firm texture, sweet smell, and delicious flavor. You can harvest them from the plant when they are fully ripe, every 2-3 days using a sharp tool, and in the morning or evening to avoid sun damage. Following these guidelines will ensure that you enjoy your cherry tomatoes at their best.