Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato Plant

Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato is perfect for growing in a hanging basket or other container. The heavily self-branching vines are determinate and do not require much pruning to encourage heavy fruiting. The early ripening fruit is abundant on this tomato and can be harvested from June until the first frost of fall. Some test trials have reported 4-5 lbs of fruit from one plant. The salad-sized fruit is bright red and tasty, and can be eaten right from the vine or added to your favorite cooked recipe.

Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato Care  

Plant tomatoes outside when all threats of late frosts are over, and the nighttime temperature is over 50 degrees F. Protection with horticultural fabrics or cloches will allow planting in the garden earlier. Tomatoes form deep root systems and will need plenty of room to spread. Since Tumbling Tom is specifically bred for container growing, use a pot with at least a 12-inch diameter. Hanging baskets and pots can also be quickly moved to a frost-free spot such as a garage or unheated greenhouse when temperatures fall early or late in the season. Tomatoes prefer full sun and will need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Shade late in the day or very early in the morning can help tomato plants recover during hot or dry weather.

Growing Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato

Tumbling Tom matures earlier than other cherry-type tomatoes and is ready for picking 50-55 days after transplanting. The compact nature of this hybrid tomato makes it a bushier plant that works as a filler in mixed plantings and as a single element for hanging baskets. Growing herbs such as basil and oregano with Tumbling Tomato provides an instant ‘pizza garden’.  

Tomatoes will need more attention the larger the plants grow. The soil will dry out faster with a bigger root system and require irrigation more often, even daily, during very hot or dry weather conditions. A soil-based potting mix and layer of mulch on the soil surface will help keep the soil cool and allow it to retain moisture longer. Small decorative gravel, chicken grit, or even finely shredded arborist chips are all excellent choices for mulching containers without adding too much weight.

Watering Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato

Watering tomatoes in containers requires a daily check of the soil. Only allow up to 1-2 inches of the soil to dry in between waterings. Consistent watering so that the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge keeps tomatoes from excessive cracking and splitting. Water the containers thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Feeding Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato 

Fertilize with a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion formula every two weeks until the first fruit form. Liquid tomato formulations are also acceptable and will ensure a good balance of macro and micronutrients. Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions.  

Tumbling Tom Red Cherry Tomato Plant Information