Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds

Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds

$5.80
$5.80
Skip to product information
Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds
  • Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds
  • Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds
  • Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds
Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds

Cherry Roma Tomato - Seeds

$5.80
$5.80

Minimum 40 seeds per packet.

Postage included. Bundle to save. Raised from heirloom seed at Turtledove Farm.

Can't be posted to Western Australia.

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 harvest75–80 days from transplant
Fruit size2.5–4cm, plum-shaped
Sowing depth5mm
Germination6–14 days at 24–29°C
Spacing45–60cm apart
AspectFull sun, well-drained soil
Frost toleranceFrost sensitive — needs reliably warm nights
LifecycleTender perennial — most often grown as an annual
Container suitableYes

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.

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.

Origin


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.

You may also like