Growing cherry tomatoes starts with successful germination and establishment of the seedlings. The initial decision of how to place the seeds in the growing medium sets the stage for the plant’s future health and productivity. Proper seed placement is the foundational step toward cultivating robust, fruit-bearing tomato plants.
The Recommended Number of Seeds
The standard recommendation for planting cherry tomato seeds is to place two to three seeds in each planting spot or hole. This practice is employed regardless of whether you are starting seeds indoors in trays or directly sowing them into the garden bed. Planting multiple seeds increases the probability that at least one viable seedling will emerge from the soil. This initial quantity serves as an important safeguard against common gardening challenges.
The reason for this redundancy is the variable nature of seed viability and germination rates, which are rarely 100%. Seeds may fail to sprout due to insufficient or excessive moisture, temperature fluctuations, or genetic defects. Environmental stressors, like certain soil pathogens or early pest activity, can also account for the loss of a seed. By using two or three seeds, gardeners ensure the planting spot is occupied by a productive plant.
This initial step of planting multiple seeds necessitates a specific follow-up action to maintain plant health.
The Critical Step of Thinning Seedlings
Planting extra seeds makes the subsequent process of thinning necessary for the survival of the strongest plant. Thinning should occur early, ideally when the young plants have developed their first set of “true leaves.” These true leaves are the second set that appears, following the initial cotyledon leaves. This stage typically happens about one to two weeks after the seedlings first emerge.
To thin effectively, select the single, most vigorous seedling and eliminate the others. The preferred method is to use small scissors or shears to snip the unwanted seedlings at the soil line. It is important to cut the stem rather than pulling the plant out of the soil.
Pulling a seedling risks damaging the delicate root system of the chosen survivor, which are often intertwined beneath the soil surface. Thinning prevents intense competition for resources, ensuring the selected plant receives all the available water and nutrients. Without thinning, the crowded seedlings will compete for sunlight and soil space, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit production.
Preparing the Seed Hole and Soil Conditions
Before placing seeds, the planting hole must be prepared to support initial growth. Cherry tomato seeds should be planted quite shallowly, typically at a depth of about one-quarter inch (6 millimeters) below the soil surface. This shallow depth ensures the seed has enough energy reserves to push through the soil and reach the necessary light for photosynthesis. The prepared hole should be moist but not saturated before the seeds are introduced.
Optimal soil conditions require a medium that is well-draining, warm, and rich in decomposed organic matter. Soil temperatures should be maintained between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius) for rapid, uniform sprouting. If direct sowing into a garden bed, the planting holes should be spaced approximately 18 to 36 inches apart to accommodate the mature size of most cherry tomato varieties. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and maximum light exposure.