Cherry Tomato (Hydro)
Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Malay names: Tomato Ceri
Compact determinate/mini-determinate cherries perform well hydroponically with strong sun and support.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6–8 h+)
Temperature: 20–32°C (flower drop >34°C)
🪴 Container & Medium
Container: Bato buckets/Dutch buckets or DWC with 20–30 L per plant; trellis or cage support.
Medium / Solution: Medium: perlite:clay pebbles mix; Solution: pH 5.8–6.3, EC 2.0–3.5 mS/cm
💧 Watering / Solution Maintenance
Schedule: Recirculating drip 4–8x/day (short pulses) or maintain DWC level; change solution 10–14 days
Top-up: Maintain constant drip to slight runoff; avoid water stress
pH 5.8–6.3; EC 2.0–3.5 mS/cm (higher during fruiting). Provide Ca to prevent BER.
🧪 Nutrients
Type: Tomato fruiting nutrient with higher K and Ca
Frequency: Check EC/pH 2–3x/week; change 10–14 days
Dosage/EC: EC 2.0–3.5 mS/cm; pH 5.8–6.3; add calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate as needed
🍓 Harvest
Start: 8–12 weeks from transplant
Seasonality: Best in drier months; rain shelter helps
Duration: Harvest window 6–10 weeks
Harvest Indicators: Fruits fully colored and slightly soft
Tips: Pick in cool mornings; avoid wetting foliage at night to reduce disease.
🌱 Propagation
Seeds; transplant at 4–6 weeks.
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Whiteflies/mites: Sticky traps; neem 1%; beneficials if available.
- Fungal leaf spots: Prune lower leaves; improve airflow; copper/sulfur as needed.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Use clear roof or balcony shelter in monsoon; ensure strong sun and airflow.
📝 System Notes
Trellis/cage early; single-plant per bucket for best results.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Add calcium to prevent blossom end rot
- Prune suckers on indeterminates
Note
EC and pH are guidelines—adjust to plant response and your water source. In monsoon humidity, increase airflow and reduce overcrowding to limit disease.