How to Grow Tommy Toe Cherry Tomatoes

  1. Temperature to grow Tommy Toe cherry tomatoes is warm temperatures between 21-27°C (70-80°F) during the day and 15-21°C (60-70°F) at night. These plants are not frost-tolerant and should be planted after the last frost date in your area.  Or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant seeds in a seed-starting mix, water lightly, and cover with plastic wrap. Place the seeds in a warm spot, around 21°C (70°F), until they germinate.
  2. Soil should be well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It's important to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, before planting.
  3. Water consistently throughout the growing season to maintain moisture in the soil.   Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. 
  4. Sunlight required is full sun, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
  5. Transplant seedlings once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves.  Transplant them into individual containers or into the garden bed.  Space the plants 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart.
  6. Provide support as Tommy Toe cherry tomato plants can grow up to 2 metres (6 feet) tall and require support.  Use stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the plants upright and prevent them from falling over.
  7. Water regularly and water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to disease.
  8. Fertilise the plants every three to four weeks with a balanced fertiliser.  Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production.
  9. Harvest Tommy Toe Cherry Tomatoes when fruit is fully red and soft to the touch before picking.  Typically take around 60-70 days to mature from seed. They will start producing fruit in mid to late summer and continue until the first frost in autumn. 
  10. Use pruning shears to harvest the tomatoes, cutting them off the vine with a small amount of stem attached.
  11. Store your Tommy Toe cherry tomatoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.  They can be stored on the counter for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a one week in the veggie crisper.  You can also freeze or preserve your cherry tomatoes.  Return to room temperature before eating to maintain the flavour. 

Heritage of Tommy Toe Cherry Tomatoes

The heritage of Tommy Toe Cherry Tomato is believed to be an heirloom variety originating from the Ozark Mountains. Named after the small size of its fruits, which resemble tiny toes. It is a highly productive indeterminate tomato plant that produces large clusters of sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes. It is popular among home gardeners and chefs for its flavour, texture, and attractive appearance.
Plant Height 150cm (4'11"")
Season of Interest Summer
Temperature Range 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F)
Determinate / Indeterminate Indeterminate
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full Sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Raise Seedlings / Sow Direct
Seed Preparation No special preparation required
Sowing Depth 0.5 - 1mm (⅛")
Plant Spacing 45 - 60cm (1'6" - 1'12")
Row Spacing 60 - 90cm (1'12" - 2'11")
Watering Regular watering, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged
Good Companion Plants Basil, Garlic, Onion, Carrots, Cucumber, Marigold, Nasturtium, Parsley
Bad Companion Plants Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.), Fennel, Potatoes, Nightshades (peppers, eggplants, etc.)
Pests Aphids (Aphis spp.), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), Tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata), Flea beetles (Epitrix spp.), Fruit flies (Drosophila spp.)
Diseases Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Blossom-end rot, Early blight, Late blight, Anthracnose, Leaf spot ,

TOMATO-CHERRY-TOMMY TOE

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