Cherry tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme.) are a popular and nutritious addition to many dishes (the world’s most highly consumed vegetable). The bright, juicy, and sweet flavor of cherry tomatoes makes them irresistible to many gardeners.
Growing cherry tomatoes is a great way to add flavor and color to your vegetable garden. However, like any other plant, tomatoes have specific requirements to thrive. One of the most important factors in growing cherry tomatoes is providing enough sunlight.
Read on to explore cherry tomato sun requirements and what you need to know to keep your plants healthy and ensure a bountiful harvest. Check out this article if you wonder how to germinate tomato seeds faster.
What Are Cherry Tomato Sun Requirements?
Cherry tomatoes are sun-loving plants, and they need four to six hours of direct sunlight every day (Source: University of Florida). If you are growing cherry tomatoes in a garden, it is important to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. I recommend you look for areas where there aren’t any trees or buildings that could block the sunlight.
- And, if you’re growing cherry tomatoes in containers, make sure to place them in an area that gets plenty of sun.
- Also, if you live in an area where the summers are particularly hot, you might want to consider providing some shade for your cherry tomatoes.
Remember that high temperatures can damage the fruits and cause them to crack. You can use shade cloth or other similar materials to provide some shade for your plants during the hottest parts of the day.
Moreover, cherry tomatoes can grow in partial shade, but they won’t be as healthy or productive. If you don’t have a place in your garden that gets enough sun, you can still grow cherry tomatoes by using grow lights, which will mimic natural sunlight and can provide your plants with the light they need to grow and produce fruit.
If cherry tomato plants don’t receive enough direct sunlight, the fruit will take longer to mature, and the yield may be lower. Also, the fruit may not ripen evenly and may have a less intense flavor.
Understanding Light Intensity
The intensity of sunlight that your cherry tomato plants receive is equally important as the amount of sunlight. Cherry tomato plants require full sun exposure, which means that they need to be exposed to maximum light intensity throughout the day.
You can ensure that your cherry tomato plants receive full sun exposure by planting them in a location that is free from shade, such as a south-facing garden bed, balcony, or terrace. However, if you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid sunburnt plants.
Growing Cherry Tomatoes Indoors
If you don’t have access to an outdoor space, you can still grow cherry tomatoes indoors. However, growing cherry tomatoes indoors requires extra attention to detail, especially when it comes to sunlight exposure.
Cherry tomato plants need to be exposed to bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours each day. A south-facing windowsill is an ideal location to grow cherry tomatoes indoors, as it will provide enough sunlight exposure throughout the day. If your windowsill doesn’t receive enough sunlight, you can also supplement it with grow lights.
Monitoring Your Cherry Tomato Plants
It is important to monitor your cherry tomato plants regularly to ensure that they are receiving enough sunlight. You can check the amount of sunlight by placing a light meter in the soil next to your cherry tomato plants.
In addition, I encourage you to check your plants for signs of sunburn, such as yellow or brown leaves. If you notice any signs of sunburn, move your cherry tomato plants to a location where they receive partial shade.
Best Practices for Cherry Tomato Plant Care
In addition to providing ample sunlight exposure, cherry tomato plants require regular watering, fertilization, and pruning to keep them healthy.
- Water your cherry tomato plants consistently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not water-logged. Remember that cherry tomatoes require one to two inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) of water weekly.
- Tomatoes will thrive when they receive a heavy soaking of water once a week instead of frequent, light sprinklings.
- Fertilize your cherry tomato plants with a balanced vegetable fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Additionally, prune your cherry tomato plants regularly by removing any yellow leaves, suckers, or damaged branches.
- If you grow tomatoes in a container, choose a large enough pot and use a rich, well-drained potting media.
Varieties Of Cherry Tomato
There are typically two varieties of tomato:
- Indeterminate, which produces fruit over several months with a large, sprawling growth habit and requires pruning and support
- Determinate tomato varieties have a bush-like shape, produce a single crop, and thrive in a limited, more compact space.
The table below contains a few varieties of cherry tomatoes and their characteristics:
| Varieties Of Cherry Tomatoes | Type | Characteristics |
| Super Sweet 100 | Indeterminate | Produces sweet tomatoes well during summertime |
| Juliet | Indeterminate | Juliet cherry tomatoes produce elongated sweet tomatoes that won’t easily crack. |
| Sweet Treats | Indeterminate | Produces firm, deep pink fruits that are resistant to cracking and have a fantastic flavor. |
| BHN 268 | Determinate | Produces firm, sweet, and flavorful tomatoes. |
| Sun Gold | Indeterminate | Produce very sweet tomatoes with solid and thick vines and require support. If you want the best flavor possible, it is recommended to delay picking until the fruits turn orange. |
| Yellow Pear | Indeterminate | Yellow Pear produces yellow, pear-shaped tomatoes throughout the summer with a mild flavor. |
| Black cherry | Indeterminate | Black cherry tomatoes grow pretty well and will need a tall cage for support. They produce visually stunning deep, dark red tomatoes in colors. |
What to read next:
- What To Plant With Tomatoes In Raised Bed: Here are the 23 best tomato companion plants.
- Can Tomatoes Grow In Indirect Sunlight (Here is a definite answer!)
- How to Reduce Iron in Soil: A quick guide to healthier plants and better harvests.
Wrapping Up
Understanding your cherry tomato sun requirements is essential when it comes to growing healthy and tasty plants. Make sure you provide your cherry tomatoes with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, and consider providing some shade if you live in a hot climate.
Remember that different varieties of cherry tomatoes may require different amounts of sunlight; I encourage you to do some research before planting. And, if you live in an area that doesn’t receive enough sunlight, consider growing cherry tomatoes indoors or using supplemental grow lights.
With the right sun and care, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful cherry tomatoes all season long.
