Cherry tomatoes are a sweet and satisfying garden treat, thriving in both garden beds and containers.
To achieve the best possible harvest, timing is key when picking them.
Harvesting too early results in underripe tomatoes, sacrificing flavor, while waiting too long can cause the thin-skinned fruits to split while still on the vine. Here are some tips for knowing the perfect time to pick cherry tomatoes, ensuring maximum flavor and quality.
Why Timing Is Key for Picking Cherry Tomatoes
Knowing the right time to pick cherry tomatoes is essential for optimal flavor. When harvested too early, the tomatoes will be firm and underdeveloped in flavor. Waiting too long increases the risk of the fruits splitting, which can lead to rotting. Cherry tomatoes are particularly susceptible to splitting, so it's important to harvest them at just the right moment.
Harvest Timing Based on Days to Maturity
For most cherry tomato varieties, the days to maturity range from 55 to 70 days. For example, Sungold tomatoes typically take around 57 days to mature, while Sunrise Bumblebee tomatoes may need up to 70 days. Knowing this information allows for checking plants around the expected time-frame to see if the fruits are ready.
Harvest Timing Based on Fruit Size
As the name suggests, cherry tomatoes are generally about the size of a cherry. However, some varieties produce slightly larger fruits. For instance, Green Bee is a cherry tomato with fruits that grow to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
When to Pick Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a garden favorite, offering sweet, flavorful bites throughout the growing season. Knowing the best time to harvest these small fruits ensures the highest quality and taste. Picking them too early results in underripe tomatoes, while waiting too long can lead to splitting. Here’s a guide to help determine when to pick cherry tomatoes based on color, firmness, and flavor, as well as some tips to speed up ripening.
When to Pick Cherry Tomatoes Based on Color
Cherry tomatoes ripen from green to their final mature color, which varies depending on the variety. Ripe cherry tomatoes can be red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink, or black. Color is the clearest indicator of ripeness, but some varieties, like Sunrise Bumblebee, have striped or bi-colored fruits, making it trickier to gauge readiness.
When to Pick Cherry Tomatoes Based on Firmness
The texture of a ripe cherry tomato is another key indicator. When gently squeezed, the fruit should feel firm, but not hard, with a slight give. It shouldn’t be mushy. A notable exception is the Mochi variety, which has a chewy, gumdrop-like texture. For most other varieties, firmness is a reliable sign of ripeness.
3 Tips to Speed Up Cherry Tomato Ripening
If cool weather or excessive rain has delayed ripening, there are several ways to encourage faster tomato maturation:
Light: Cherry tomatoes thrive with full sunlight. Aim for at least 8 hours of direct light each day. Too much shade can slow the ripening process.
Fertile Soil: Tomatoes are heavy feeders. To support healthy growth, amend the soil with compost or aged manure, and add a slow-release organic tomato fertilizer before planting.
Moisture: Water deeply, especially when the soil is dry about 1–2 inches down. Using a soaker hose ensures that the plants receive even, consistent moisture.
How to Harvest Cherry Tomatoes
The beauty of growing cherry tomatoes is the extended harvest season, often lasting from late July through early October. Harvesting can happen every day or two to ensure peak ripeness. For smaller harvests, pick the tomatoes by hand or use a basket to collect them, which helps prevent damage.
Best Cherry Tomato Varieties to Grow
Having grown over 50 varieties of cherry tomatoes, a few standouts have consistently delivered exceptional results. Consider trying these varieties in your garden:
Red Cherry Tomatoes: Supersweet 100, Jasper, Tidy Treats, Red Pear, Sweetie, Peacevine
Pink Cherry Tomatoes: Pink Bumblebee
Yellow Cherry Tomatoes: White Cherry, Gold Nugget, Apple Yellow, Egg Yolk, Snow White
Orange Cherry Tomatoes: Sungold, Sunrise Bumblebee, Esterina
Green Cherry Tomatoes: Green Bee, Green Grape
Black/Purple Cherry Tomatoes: Black Cherry, Purple Bumblebee, Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Sprinkles, Midnight Pear
Picking cherry tomatoes at the right time is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. By paying attention to color, firmness, and variety-specific maturity, you’ll be able to enjoy these tiny garden gems at their peak. Whether you're growing them for snacking, salads, or cooking, proper harvesting ensures every bite is bursting with sweetness. And, if you're eager to speed up the ripening process, a little sunlight, fertile soil, and consistent watering can go a long way!
