Cherry tomatoes are one of the most popular garden crops, prized for their sweet flavor and abundant yields. While they are generally easy to grow, the depth at which the seedling is set is the most impactful decision at planting time. Getting this depth correct ensures the plant establishes a robust foundation that supports vigorous growth and a successful harvest.
Determining the Ideal Transplanting Depth
The method for transplanting cherry tomato seedlings involves setting the plant significantly deeper than it was growing in its original container. The guidance is to bury approximately two-thirds of the stem, leaving only the top one or two sets of leaves above the soil line. This counterintuitive practice helps develop a much stronger root system than traditional shallow planting.
Before placing the seedling into the ground, gently remove the leaves and any small shoots, known as suckers, from the portion of the stem that will be covered by soil. Clearing the stem prevents these removed parts from rotting beneath the surface and potentially inviting disease. The hole or trench dug for the plant should be deep enough to accommodate the root ball and the desired length of the buried stem. After planting, only a small tuft of foliage should remain visible above the surface.
The Root Biology Behind Deep Planting
Tomatoes possess a unique biological trait that makes deep planting beneficial. Their stems contain dormant cells capable of developing into specialized structures called adventitious roots. When the stem is buried and exposed to the moist soil environment, these cells are activated, and new secondary roots emerge directly from the buried stem tissue.
This process effectively extends the plant’s root mass along the length of the buried stem. The resulting root system is denser and more extensive than the original root ball that came from the nursery pot. A larger root network allows the mature plant to absorb a greater volume of water and nutrients, translating into a more resilient plant that can withstand environmental stress and support a heavier load of developing fruit.
Starting Cherry Tomatoes from Seed
The planting depth changes when starting cherry tomatoes directly from seed rather than transplanting a seedling. Seeds contain only a small energy reserve, so they must be planted close to the surface to allow the delicate shoot to quickly reach the light. The ideal depth for sowing cherry tomato seeds is typically between 1/4 and 1/2 inch deep.
Sowing the seeds deeper risks exhausting the seed’s energy before the seedling can push through the soil. This shallow depth ensures the seed receives enough warmth and oxygen for successful germination. Once the seeds sprout into small seedlings, they can be transplanted deeply into the garden or a larger pot, following the guidelines for established seedlings.
Essential Soil and Site Preparation
Cherry tomato growth relies on preparing the physical environment before the seedling is ever placed in the ground. The soil should be loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter to provide both aeration and consistent moisture retention. Working a few inches of compost into the planting area before transplanting can significantly improve the soil structure and nutrient content.
Timing the planting is also important, as tomatoes are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. Seedlings should not be moved outdoors until the danger of the last frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached a sustained 60°F or higher. A site that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily is necessary for the plant to produce a high volume of fruit.
Proper spacing is another factor that impacts the plant’s health, particularly with the sprawling nature of many cherry tomato varieties. Plants should be spaced at least two to three feet apart, depending on the specific variety, to ensure adequate air circulation. This spacing helps leaves dry quickly after rain or watering, which is a preventative measure against common fungal diseases.