The cherry tomato plant is one of the most widely cultivated edible plants in home gardens and commercial settings. It is a member of the nightshade family, sharing a botanical classification with potatoes and peppers. This plant is prized for its abundant production of small, sweet fruits. Understanding the specific visual characteristics of the cherry tomato plant helps in proper care and identification throughout its growing season.
Growth Habit and Vine Structure
The growth habit of a cherry tomato plant falls into two main categories: indeterminate and determinate. Indeterminate varieties are true vining types, continuing to grow and produce fruit until stopped by frost or disease. These plants can easily reach heights of six to eight feet or more and require significant support, such as a strong trellis or caging, to manage their sprawling nature.
Determinate varieties grow in a more compact, bushy form, typically maturing between three and five feet tall before ceasing terminal growth. These bush-type plants are better suited for container gardening and require less intensive support than vining counterparts. The main stem is relatively soft and herbaceous, becoming slightly more rigid as it matures, but it is not strong enough to support the weight of a full harvest.
Appearance of Foliage and Stems
The foliage consists of dark to medium green leaves arranged alternately on the stem. These are compound leaves, meaning they are divided into multiple smaller leaflets, typically five to nine per leaf. The leaflets have deeply serrated, or jagged, edges, giving the foliage a unique, feathery appearance.
Both the stems and the leaves are covered in hairs called trichomes, which give the plant a fuzzy texture. These trichomes contain oils that release a distinctive, earthy, and pungent aroma when the foliage is brushed or crushed. The stems are generally green, though the base of the plant can sometimes show a purplish tinge, especially in young plants.
Flowers and Fruit Cluster Formation
Small, bright yellow flowers are borne in groups known as cymes or trusses. These flowers are star-shaped and self-fertile, containing both male and female parts, allowing them to self-pollinate with the aid of wind or vibration.
A defining characteristic of cherry tomatoes is their tendency to form fruit in clusters along a single stalk. The yellow flower drops off, and a tiny, firm green fruit begins to swell in its place. A single truss can hold numerous fruits, sometimes ranging from a few to as many as 40 small tomatoes, which often ripen simultaneously.
Characteristics of the Mature Fruit
Individual fruits typically range from the size of a thumbtip up to about an inch in diameter. The shape is commonly spherical, but varieties exist that produce oblong, grape-shaped, or even pear-shaped fruits.
While the standard color is red, modern breeding has introduced a wide spectrum of colors, including yellow, orange, dark purple, and striped varieties. The skin is generally thin and taut, enclosing a fleshy, juicy interior filled with a few small, gel-coated seeds. The sugars and acids in the fruit give cherry tomatoes a much sweeter flavor profile than their larger tomato relatives.