The complete process of growing cherry tomatoes in pots, both ornamental and edible

The ornamental and edible process of growing cherry tomatoes in pots

Cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) is an annual or perennial trailing herbaceous plant of the tomato genus in the nightshade family. Because its fruit is small, it is also called pocket tomato and mini tomato, and it has an elegant name, cherry tomato. It originated in South America, and after many years of breeding by horticulturists, its colors are extremely rich, including red, orange-yellow, yellow, purple, black and many other colors. Because of its good palatability, it is often eaten as a refreshing fruit.

Planting time

The cultivation time is generally chosen in spring or autumn. It can be planted on balconies, rooftops and courtyards, but it should have sufficient light.

Container selection

When raising seedlings, you can choose a shallow pot or a small flowerpot; it should not be too large, to prevent water accumulation from affecting root development. When planting out, a large flowerpot, wooden box or plastic box can all be used.

Sowing

It can be sown directly or raised as seedlings and then transplanted. When sowing, water the growing medium thoroughly, scatter the seeds evenly over the growing medium, cover with 0.3-0.5 cm of fine growing medium, and water thoroughly with a fine-hole watering can, keeping it warm and moist. If the seeds are sown dry, they will emerge in 7-10 days; with pre-sprouting treatment, they will emerge in 3-4 days.

Management

1. Thin the seedlings in time after emergence. When there are 5-6 true leaves, the seedlings can be fixed in place or transplanted. To help the young seedlings grow, they can be transplanted 2-3 times, gradually moving them into larger pots.

2. The soil should be fertile, loose and breathable. Never use heavy clay soil, to prevent poor permeability. During the growing period, just keep the soil moist; do not let water accumulate;

3. Cherry tomatoes are mostly indeterminate growth types. When the seedlings are 30 cm tall, use thin bamboo stakes or fine string to train the vines. Generally, except for the main stem, all side branches growing from the leaf axils are removed. When the plant grows to a certain height, remove its terminal bud, and later remove old leaves and diseased leaves in time to improve ventilation and light penetration.

4. Cherry tomatoes like warmth and tolerate heat. The suitable growing temperature is 24-31°C, and they can still flower and fruit normally at 31-36°C; they like light, and placing them in sufficient light during cultivation is beneficial for growth and development.

5. Fertilization should follow the principle of small amounts applied many times, with the focus on the flowering and fruiting period. At this time, apply 1500-times diluted compound fertilizer twice to ensure fruit growth and development.

Harvesting

For home pot cultivation, generally pick the fruit after it has fully developed and ripened, when the flavor is good.

Eating

Cherry tomato is a very good health food, rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. After eating, it can promote salivation and quench thirst, strengthen the stomach and aid digestion, and is suitable for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, hepatitis, thirst, and poor appetite; the lycopene in it can increase the body's resistance and delay aging. There are many ways to eat it; most people eat it raw as a fruit, and it can also be used in cold dishes, to make tomato sauce, and so on.