What is the cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme), what is it good for and how to grow it at home?
The cherry tomato is a small, sweet tomato variety, recognisable by its rich flavour and juiciness. It comes in red, orange and yellow, and is a must in salads, snacks and as a garnish.
It is rich in vitamins C, A and K, lycopene, potassium and fibre. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and supports heart health. The cherry tomato is low in calories yet nutrient-rich, which makes it ideal for healthy eating and wellbeing.
Quick facts
- Germination time: 6–14 days
- Germination temperature: 20–25 °C
- Time to harvest: 70–90 days
- Primary use: fresh eating, salads, sauces, garnishing dishes
- Vitamins/minerals: C, A, K, potassium, fibre, lycopene
- Effects on the body: strengthens immunity, supports heart and digestive health, antioxidant activity
Growing cherry tomatoes at home
The cherry tomato likes sunny, warm spots and well-drained soil. It can be grown in the garden, in pots or indoors with enough light. Unlike larger tomatoes, cherry varieties grow quickly and produce abundant fruit over a longer period.
In smart gardens such as SIMPLY and AURELIA, cherry tomatoes grow with automatic watering and optimal light, which allows a constant yield all year round without the need for complicated care.
Planting cherry tomatoes from seed
- Sow the seeds in a quality substrate or use smart soil pods with seeds.
- Maintain moisture and warmth until sprouting (6–14 days).
- Once the plant grows stronger, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or continue growing in smart gardens.
- In conventional growing, regularly remove the side shoots (“suckers”) for a better yield.
In the SIMPLY and AURELIA smart gardens the whole process is simpler – no transplanting and no worrying about watering.
Growing in Simply and Aurelia smart gardens
Our smart gardens mean you always have fresh cherry tomatoes close at hand – without stress, daily watering or worrying about conditions. The automated system controls water and light, and you simply enjoy the juicy fruit.
How to harvest and use cherry tomatoes
- Pick the fruit when it develops an intense colour and feels firm yet juicy to the touch.
- They are best eaten fresh, but they are also excellent in baked dishes, sauces and smoothies.
- Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce new fruit.
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
| Cracked fruit | Irregular watering | Keep the moisture even |
| Poor yield | Too little light | Move to a sunny spot or use an LED lamp |
| Yellow leaves | Lack of nutrients | Add organic fertiliser or use smart soil pods |
| Pests (aphids) | Poor ventilation | Ensure air circulation, use natural repellents |
| Late ripening | Temperatures too low | Grow in warmer conditions or indoors |
The difference between cherry and regular tomatoes
- Cherry tomato: small fruit, sweeter taste, shorter time to harvest, more abundant and longer-lasting yield.
- Regular tomato: larger fruit, milder taste, needs a longer growing time and more care.
How to store cherry tomatoes
- At room temperature: keep them out of the fridge while ripe, for up to 5 days.
- In the fridge: extends shelf life, but they may lose some of their aroma.
- Drying or roasting: cherry tomatoes can be dried or roasted at a low temperature for a concentrated flavour.
Conclusion
The cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is a must-have plant for lovers of fresh, healthy vegetables. Nutrient-rich, tasty and easy to grow, it brings colour and flavour to every meal. With the SIMPLY and AURELIA smart gardens, you can have fresh cherry tomatoes all year round – literally picking them just before your meal.
