Cherry tomatoes are celebrated by gardeners for their prolific yields and sweet, concentrated flavor. As members of the Solanum lycopersicum species, these plants naturally possess a vining growth pattern, which results in significant plant mass and fruit weight. The specific answer to whether they need support depends entirely on the genetic characteristics of the variety being grown.
Understanding Cherry Tomato Growth Habits
The need for a trellis is determined by the plant’s growth habit, which is classified as either indeterminate or determinate. Indeterminate varieties exhibit continuous growth, producing new leaves, flowers, and fruit throughout the entire growing season until frost occurs. These plants are true vines, capable of reaching lengths of six to twelve feet, and popular varieties like ‘Sungold’ and ‘Black Cherry’ fall into this category. The sheer weight of the ongoing vegetative growth and sustained fruit production means that indeterminate cherry tomatoes consistently require a tall, robust support system.
Determinate varieties are genetically programmed to grow to a fixed, compact height, typically reaching three to four feet tall before terminal growth stops. These bush-like plants set the majority of their fruit over a concentrated period of a few weeks, which is advantageous for gardeners who prefer a large, single harvest. Varieties such as ‘Tumbling Tom’ or certain dwarf types are examples of determinate cherry tomatoes. While their smaller stature may require less intensive support, they still benefit from some structure to manage the weight of the ripening fruit.
Choosing the Right Support Structure
For determinate, bush-type varieties, a tomato cage provides effective support. The cage encircles the plant to manage its lateral spread and hold up heavy, fruit-laden branches. Cages require less ongoing maintenance than other methods because the plant is simply allowed to grow into the structure.
Staking involves driving a single, tall post into the ground next to the plant. This is a space-saving technique particularly useful for small gardens or containers. This method is suitable for smaller indeterminate varieties, but it requires the gardener to frequently tie the main stem to the stake as the vine grows vertically.
Indeterminate plants, especially those grown in long rows, are best managed with trellising or the Florida Weave system. The Florida Weave uses sturdy end posts and a series of horizontal strings woven back and forth between the posts on either side of the plants as they grow taller. This system offers maximum stability and height, distributing the weight of the dense foliage and continuous fruit set across an entire row. While trellising demands more initial setup time and material investment, it is the most robust solution for the vigorous, high-yielding nature of most indeterminate cherry tomatoes.
Why Skipping Support Isn’t Recommended
Allowing cherry tomato plants to sprawl across the ground significantly increases the risk of problems that impact yield and plant health. When leaves and fruit remain in direct contact with the soil, it creates an environment of high humidity and poor air circulation around the plant’s base. This stagnant, moist condition is highly conducive to the proliferation of fungal pathogens, such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot.
The splashing of water onto the lower leaves from rain or irrigation can also transfer soil-borne disease spores onto the plant tissue. Fruit resting on the ground is susceptible to rot and is an easy target for ground-dwelling pests like slugs and various insects. Supporting the plant vertically keeps the foliage dry, maximizes airflow, and elevates the fruit, which mitigates these common garden challenges.