A Detailed Guide to the Latest Key Points for Growing Cherry Tomatoes

In our daily lives, cherry tomatoes are also called small tomatoes. They are a very common fruit with a very smooth surface. The individual fruits are relatively small, basically bite-sized, and they can be used not only as a fruit but also stir-fried as a vegetable. Their taste is not as sour as that of tomatoes, with a bit of sweetness, and they are also rich in nutrients. When growing them, everyone has certain misunderstandings, so what should be noted when growing cherry tomatoes? Let's take a look below!

1. Growth requirements

The temperature suitable for the growth of cherry tomatoes is generally around 25°C, with a difference of 10°C at night, and the average temperature should be kept between 15-24°C. There are also certain requirements for light duration, and 5-6 hours of light per day is best. The soil moisture should be kept at around 60%. Deep soil layers, loose soil texture and fertile soil can make cherry tomatoes grow better, and cherry tomatoes have a relatively large demand for fertilizer during growth. In addition, cherry tomatoes need different fertilizers at each growth stage. For example, in the early stage of growth, applying more nitrogen fertilizer can effectively promote growth, while in the middle and late stages, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is needed. Everyone needs to pay close attention to this.

2. Sowing and raising seedlings

Cherry tomatoes have very strong adaptability. As long as the growth temperature of cherry tomatoes is well controlled, they can be planted at any time of the year. For example, in the southern regions they can be planted in spring and autumn every year. When planting, in order to prevent the seeds from carrying bacteria or viruses in the ovules, the seeds should be wrapped in gauze before planting, then soaked in trisodium phosphate water for about 15 minutes, and then taken out. The seeds are then placed at a temperature of around 30°C to begin germination. The seeds should be washed with warm water twice a day, and after 3-4 days, the seedling raising work can begin.

3. Land preparation and fertilization

Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to the orchard, then the land should be deep-plowed, and the soil and base fertilizer should be evenly mixed together to improve the soil fertility, then the land should be leveled. Then begin making beds, with each bed about 30cm high; the double-bed planting method can be used, and the planting distance between each plant should be well controlled. This can not only promote the normal growth of cherry tomatoes, but also prepare for later pruning and training. During the growth of cherry tomatoes, weeds in the orchard should be cleared away to prevent the occurrence of disease-causing bacteria and parasites that affect the normal growth of the plants. The final transplanting time should be decided according to the flower clusters. The planting quantity should be determined according to the planting land area.

4. Trellising and pruning

⟦NL>When cherry tomatoes grow to about 35cm, preparations for trellising should begin. The trellis can be made with wire or branches, formed into a herringbone shape, and the top of the trellis should be tied well. This can not only enhance the ventilation of the orchard to a certain extent, but also effectively prevent and control pests and diseases. The side branches of cherry tomatoes have very strong growth ability, and if left unchecked they will have a great impact on the growth and development of the main branch. Therefore, we should promptly remove the buds on the side branches and cut off all diseased branches, diseased fruits, residual branches and residual leaves. This can not only effectively increase yield, but also prevent the effects brought by side branches.

The four points above are the matters needing attention when growing cherry tomatoes. When planting, everyone should also pay attention to the invasion of some pests and diseases. The orchard should be managed diligently, disinfected regularly, and diseased and residual branches, fallen leaves and fallen fruits should be cleared away. During overwintering, pay attention to intertillage and earthing up to reduce pathogens remaining in the soil over winter and lower the disease incidence. This article is for reference only, and we hope it is helpful to everyone.