Cherry Roma Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum (nightshade)


Introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1999 by Meilie Moy-Hodnett of Maryland, this small plum-shaped tomato went on to win Seed Savers Exchange's Tomato Tasting in 2013. Firm, scarlet-red, roughly 2.5–4cm fruit brings genuine Roma-style thickness and low moisture into a cherry-sized package, with a distinctive sweet-and-spicy flavour that sets it apart from a standard round cherry tomato. Thicker skin than most cherries means better resistance to splitting and a longer shelf life, making it as good for drying and sauces as it is straight off the vine. Indeterminate (climbing) variety — requires sturdy staking.

Days to harvest 75–80 days from transplant
Fruit size 2.5–4cm, plum-shaped
Sowing depth 5mm
Germination 6–14 days at 24–29°C
Spacing 45–60cm apart
Aspect Full sun, well-drained soil
Frost tolerance Frost sensitive — needs reliably warm nights

Growing notes


Choose a full-sun, open position with good air circulation. Suits a large pot from 30–40L with staking. A vigorous plant that can reach 1.5m or taller with good support.

Soil preparation: Well-drained, compost-rich soil.

Support: Sturdy staking essential — a tall climbing variety producing dense, heavy clusters of fruit all season.

Watering & feeding: Water deeply and consistently, avoiding waterlogging. Feed regularly with a potassium-rich fertiliser once flowering and fruiting begins.

Harvest: Pick once fruit is a firm, glossy scarlet red. Thicker skin means it holds well after picking, longer than most cherry tomatoes.

Timing: Expect first harvest around 75–80 days after transplanting, with heavy, ongoing production through the season.

Key features

  • Open-pollinated heirloom, introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1999
  • 2013 Seed Savers Exchange Tomato Tasting winner
  • Small, plum-shaped fruit, ~2.5–4cm
  • Firm, thick skin — resists splitting, stores well
  • Distinctive sweet-and-spicy flavour
  • Excellent fresh, dried, or in sauces

Short season tips

Sow 6–8 weeks before you want to plant out, on a heat mat if possible — soil needs to be 24–29°C to germinate reliably. Transplant only once all risk of frost has passed and nights are reliably mild. Its heavy, reliable cropping and good shelf life make it a satisfying choice even for a shorter growing season.

  • Spring
  • Summer

Tender perennial — most often grown as an annual

  • Basil (classic tomato pairing) Marigolds Carrots Parsley
  • Other nightshades (capsicums, chillies, eggplants, potatoes) Fennel Corn


Introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1999 by Meilie Moy-Hodnett of Maryland, who described it at the time as a "suspect wild/antique variety" of uncertain origin. Its exact history remains a bit of a mystery, but its distinctive sweet-spicy flavour and firm, long-keeping fruit earned it Seed Savers Exchange's Tomato Tasting award in 2013, cementing its reputation among heirloom growers.