80 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycoperscium. Fox Cherry Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, cherry tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. With large potato leaves to shield them from the sun, Fox Cherry Tomatoes are an excellent addition to any garden. ~ 6,800 seeds/ounce. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) Hardiness Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter Days to Maturity: 80 to 90 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes, start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Tomato Type: Cherry - Small fruited tomatoes that are often round or pear shaped. Typically the size of marbles but still smaller than a golf ball. Plant Spacing: 18 to 24 inches Row Spacing: 36 inches Plant Height: 48 to 72 Inches Plant Width: 18 to 24 inches Growth Habit: Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. Growth Speed: Late - Ready to harvest from 81 days or more from transplant. Difficult, if not impossible, to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good late-summer to early-fall producers for most USDA Zones. Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F) Germination Temperature: 65-85 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. Fox Cherry Tomato Color: Red Fox Cherry Tomato Flavor: Sweet, tangy and tasty Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Large Hanging Basket Tomato Use: Salads, fresh eating, small slicing, etc. Growing Fox Cherry Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden To grow delicious Fox Cherry tomatoes, start by sowing the seeds indoors approximately 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep in a high-quality seed starting mix. Ensure the room temperature remains between 65-85°F (18-29°C) for optimal germination, and provide adequate light conditions. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, typically after the last spring frost date, it's time to transplant them into your garden or chosen growing containers. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.2 to 6.8. Fox Cherry tomatoes are indeterminate, so they'll keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season. Consider using a sturdy trellis or cage to support their vine-like growth. Providing consistent and even watering is crucial, as fluctuations in soil moisture can lead to issues like blossom end rot or cracking. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. Additionally, regular pruning of the lower leaves can improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Companion planting can be beneficial for Fox Cherry tomatoes. Planting basil nearby can help deter aphids and provide a flavorful herb for your dishes. Marigolds and nasturtiums are also known to deter common tomato pests like aphids and whiteflies. For optimal growth, ensure your Fox Cherry tomato plants receive full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider providing support for the indeterminate vines, such as sturdy cages or trellises, to prevent sprawling and make harvesting easier. Harvesting Fox Cherry Tomatoes Fox Cherry tomatoes are classified as indeterminate, which means they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. You'll know it's time to harvest when the fruits have reached their full, vibrant red color and feel slightly firm but give gently when squeezed. They should come off the vine with ease when gently twisted or pulled. Since Fox Cherry tomatoes grow on indeterminate vines that keep producing, you can harvest continually as they ripen. Be sure to check the plants regularly once they start bearing fruit, typically around 80-90 days after transplanting. To avoid damage to the vines, use pruners or scissors to snip the tomatoes from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. This method helps preserve the fruit's quality and reduces the risk of disease transmission. About Fox Cherry Tomato Garden Seeds While the exact origin is not well-documented, they are believed to have been passed down through generations of gardeners. These tomatoes have stood the test of time due to their exceptional flavor and adaptability. They were likely cherished for their sweet, tangy taste and the ability of their indeterminate vines to produce bountiful harvests. Fox Cherry tomatoes were not specifically bred for a particular trait or growing climate. Instead, they developed naturally over time, becoming well-suited to a wide range of growing conditions. Their adaptability makes them a versatile choice for various gardens. These cherry tomatoes are excellent candidates for container gardens, thanks to their indeterminate growth habit and manageable height. You can also consider planting them in hanging baskets with proper support, as their cascading vines can create a stunning visual display while providing a convenient way to pluck fresh tomatoes. Whether in a traditional garden, containers, or hanging baskets, Fox Cherry tomatoes offer an abundance of sweet, tangy flavor. Tips From Our Gardeners "To encourage even fruit ripening and enhance the sweet, tangy flavor of Fox Cherry tomatoes, consider implementing the "banana trick." As your tomatoes begin to ripen on the vine, place a ripe banana near the plants. Bananas naturally emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of nearby fruits, including tomatoes. This can help ensure that your Fox Cherry tomatoes ripen uniformly and develop their full, delicious flavor. Just be sure to replace the banana as it ripens to maintain a steady supply of ethylene gas for your tomatoes. This simple, natural method can contribute to a more consistent and flavorful harvest.” - Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Guide to Tomatoes Fox Cherry Tomato Seeds Per Package: 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,700 Seeds 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 6,800 Seeds 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 27,200 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 108,800 Seeds Non-GMO Fox Cherry Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
