Cherry Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Beginner-friendly fruiting annual; compact determinate varieties suit pots.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6–8 h)
Temperature: 20–32°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 20–30 L pot; cage or stake.
Soil Mix: Vegetable mix with added perlite; pH 6–6.8
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 3x/week; Rainy season: 1–2x/week if no rain
Amount: 2–3 L per watering
Water at soil level; avoid wetting leaves; consistent moisture prevents blossom end rot.
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Tomato fertilizer higher in K & Ca
Frequency: Every 2 weeks
Dosage: 15–25 g/2 weeks for 20–30 L pot; add calcium (gypsum) if needed
🍓 Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 2–3 months from transplant
Seasonality: Best in drier months; possible year-round with care
Duration: Harvest window 6–10 weeks
Harvest Indicators: Fruit fully colored and slightly soft
Tips: Pick in morning when cool; refrigerate only if very ripe.
🌱 Propagation
Seeds; transplant after 4–6 weeks.
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Whiteflies, hornworms: Sticky traps; hand-pick; neem 1%.
- Fungal leaf spots: Prune lower leaves; apply copper fungicide in wet periods.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Better performance under rain cover or sheltered balcony during monsoon.
📝 Planting Notes
Use deep pot; bury stem up to first leaves to promote rooting.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Prune suckers on indeterminate types
- Mulch to reduce splash diseases
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.