Cherry tomatoes are a rewarding choice for container gardening, offering a continuous harvest of flavorful fruit. Successfully growing these plants from seed begins with understanding proper seeding techniques. This establishes a strong foundation for healthy growth and abundant yields.
Why Seed Count Matters
The number of seeds planted directly influences the health and productivity of your cherry tomato plants. Overcrowding in a pot leads to intense competition among seedlings for light, water, and nutrients. This competition can result in stunted growth, weak stems, and increased susceptibility to diseases due to poor air circulation. Conversely, providing adequate space allows each seedling to develop a robust root system and strong foliage, leading to more vigorous plants. Proper spacing also helps avoid “leggy” seedlings that stretch excessively in search of light, which are less resilient.
How Many Seeds to Plant
For optimal results when growing cherry tomatoes in pots, planting two to three seeds per pot is a common practice. This approach accounts for potential germination failures, ensuring at least one viable seedling emerges. When sowing, create small holes about 1/4 inch deep in the potting mix.
If using a 5-gallon pot, which is ideal for a single cherry tomato plant, aim to plant these two to three seeds in a small cluster near the center. For smaller pots, such as 3- or 4-inch starter pots, two to three seeds are also appropriate, with plans to transplant later.
After placing the seeds, lightly cover them with soil and gently moisten the area, being careful not to dislodge the seeds. Maintain soil temperature between 60°F and 70°F for good germination. Once seeds sprout, they will need ample light to prevent them from becoming thin and leggy.
Thinning Cherry Tomato Seedlings
Thinning is a necessary step after germination to ensure the strongest plant thrives. The ideal time to thin cherry tomato seedlings is when they have developed their first set of true leaves, which are distinct from the initial round cotyledon leaves. This usually occurs when seedlings are about 2-3 weeks old or approximately 3-4 inches tall.
To thin, carefully select the healthiest, most vigorous seedling in each pot, identified by its sturdy stem and well-formed true leaves. Rather than pulling out the unwanted seedlings, which can disturb the delicate root systems of the remaining plants, use a small, sharp pair of scissors or garden snips. Snip the weaker seedlings at the soil line.