{"product_id":"tomato-cherry-black","title":"TOMATO-CHERRY-BLACK","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to Grow Black Cherry Tomatoes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUse well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e6.2 - 6.8\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.  A mix of compost, peat moss, and perlite works best.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn cooler climates, start seeds indoors \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e in seed trays or small pots.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlant seeds \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e in moist, well-aerated soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKeep soil temperature at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e21 - 27°C (70 - 80°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to ensure quick germination.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlace seedlings in a bright location with at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e14 - 16 hours of light per day\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e or use grow lights.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKeep the soil \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003emoist but not waterlogged\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to prevent damping off. Use a spray bottle or bottom watering technique.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOnce seedlings develop \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 - 3 sets of true leaves\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, harden them off before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePick a spot with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003efull sun (6 - 8 hours daily)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and good air circulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSpace plants \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e45 - 60 cm (18 - 24 inches) apart\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 cm (36 inches) \u003c\/b\u003ebetween rows\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUse cages, stakes, or trellises to support the vines and prevent fruit from touching the ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eApply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 - 3 weeks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKeep soil evenly moist, watering \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003edeeply 2 - 3 times per week\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, avoiding overhead watering.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCheck for pests like aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies, and manage diseases like blight or powdery mildew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePick tomatoes when they turn deep purple-brown and feel slightly soft to the touch, typically \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e65 - 75 days \u003c\/b\u003eafter planting\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional growing tips for Black Cherry Tomatoes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBury Stems Deeply for a Stronger Root System: \u003c\/strong\u003eUnlike many plants, tomato seedlings can develop roots along their buried stems. When transplanting, plant Black Cherry Tomato seedlings deep - burying up to ⅔ of the stem. This encourages a larger root system, leading to stronger, healthier plants with better drought resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse the \"Florida Weave\" for Natural Support: \u003c\/strong\u003eInstead of using traditional tomato cages, try the Florida Weave technique. This method involves weaving twine between stakes to support multiple plants in a row, keeping them upright and improving airflow. This reduces disease risk and makes harvesting easier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlightly Stress Plants for Sweeter Tomatoes:  \u003c\/strong\u003eA little stress can improve the sweetness and complexity of Black Cherry Tomatoes. 1. Reduce watering slightly once fruit starts forming to concentrate sugars. 2. Expose plants to cooler nighttime temperatures (13- 18°C \/ 55 - 65°F) for richer flavor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraft Onto a Hardy Rootstock for Supercharged Growth:  \u003c\/strong\u003eFor the ultimate disease resistance and productivity, graft your Black Cherry Tomato onto a vigorous, disease-resistant rootstock (such as a hybrid tomato variety). This is a common technique used by commercial growers for larger yields and longer growing seasons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFerment Seeds for Better Germination:  \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you're saving seeds, ferment them before drying. Place seeds in a small cup with water for 2 - 3 days to break down the gelatinous coating. This improves germination rates and helps remove potential disease spores.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse Aspirin Spray to Boost Immunity:  \u003c\/strong\u003eDissolve 1 aspirin tablet (325 mg) per gallon (4 liters) of water and spray your plants every 2 - 3 weeks. This triggers a natural defense response, helping plants resist diseases like blight and mildew while boosting growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterplant with Borage for Extra Protection: \u003c\/strong\u003eBorage is a powerful companion plant that repels tomato hornworms, attracts pollinators, and enhances tomato flavor. Plant it nearby for a natural pest deterrent and healthier fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrune Strategically for Maximum Production:  \u003c\/strong\u003eRemove lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease.\n\nPinch off suckers (small shoots between the main stem and leaves) to focus energy on fruit production.\n\nPrune only in the morning so cuts dry quickly, preventing infection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoost Calcium with Eggshell Tea:  \u003c\/strong\u003eCrushed eggshells can help prevent blossom end rot (a common calcium deficiency issue in tomatoes). Soak crushed eggshells in water for 24 hours, then use the \"tea\" to water your plants for a slow calcium boost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Basil and Nasturtiums for Ultimate Flavor \u0026amp; Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Basil improves the flavor of Black Cherry Tomatoes while also repelling aphids and mosquitoes.  Nasturtiums trap pests like aphids, keeping them away from your tomatoes.\n\nBy using these unique tips, you'll grow healthier, tastier, and more productive Black Cherry Tomato plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeritage of Black Cherry Tomato\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"w-full text-token-text-primary\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-7\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-2 juice:py-[18px] px-3 text-base md:px-4 m-auto md:px-5 lg:px-1 xl:px-5\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mx-auto flex flex-1 gap-3 text-base juice:gap-4 juice:md:gap-5 juice:lg:gap-6 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem]\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5 juice:w-full juice:items-end overflow-x-auto gap-2\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0ea7b0d2-b42a-4e61-bc68-d6140cf51d7a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 juice:empty:hidden juice:first:pt-[3px]\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlack Cherry Tomato\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e prized for its unique deep purple-black coloration and exceptional flavor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003etraces its roots to traditional cherry tomatoes but stands out due to its rich, smoky-sweet taste. Unlike hybrid varieties, Black Cherry Tomatoes are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003etrue-to-seed\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, meaning you can save seeds from your harvest and plant them year after year. The deep color of these tomatoes comes from their \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehigh anthocyanin content\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, which provides antioxidant benefits. Originally cultivated to bring diversity to cherry tomato varieties, Black Cherry Tomatoes have become a favorite among home gardeners, chefs, and market growers due to their \u003c\/span\u003ehigh productivity, disease resistance, and gourmet appeal\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020603081076,"sku":"TTC-B","price":3.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/TOMATO_CHERRY_BLACK.webp?v=1785570882","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/tomato-cherry-black","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}