Lemon Drop Improved is a prolific indeterminate cherry tomato that produces thousands of jewel-like, bright yellow fruits on a single plant. Reaching just 18-24 inches tall, this open-pollinated variety matures in 60-69 days from transplant and thrives in zones 2-11, making it accessible to gardeners across nearly every region. The small half-inch fruits pack genuine flavor in a compact package, and the plants carry impressive disease resistance to fungal and viral threats that plague many tomato crops.

Photo © True Leaf Market
18
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
24in H x ?in W
—
High
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Tiny bright yellow cherry tomatoes arrive in abundance from early season through frost, each one barely larger than a pea at half an inch across. The compact indeterminate growth habit means you get a manageable plant that still delivers thousands of fruits rather than a sprawling giant. What truly sets this improved version apart is its multi-layered disease resistance: it fends off Bacterial Canker, Fusarium Wilt, Gray Leaf Spot, Late Blight, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, and Verticillium Wilt, plus tolerance to Blossom End Rot and resistance to nematodes. For northern gardeners, the 60-69 day maturity means harvests before frost even in zones with short summers.
These petite yellow fruits are exceptional for fresh eating straight from the vine, where their small size makes them convenient snacking or salad garnishes. Their abundance suits preservation through drying, roasting, or making into small-batch sauces and jams. The visual appeal of so many golden fruits on a single compact plant also makes this variety worth growing for ornamental kitchen garden purposes.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your region's last expected spring frost. Maintain soil temperature between 70-80°F for optimal germination. Sow seeds at the depth specified below and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F and nighttime air temperatures stay consistently above 50°F, which typically occurs 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. Space plants 18 inches apart with 36 inches between rows. Bury the transplant slightly deeper than it grew in its pot to encourage a stronger root system.
Pick fruits when they turn fully golden yellow, which indicates peak ripeness and sweetness. The half-inch fruits should feel slightly soft to gentle pressure. Since so many fruits mature together, harvest every 2-3 days during peak season to encourage continued flowering and prevent the vine from becoming overburdened. The small size means they detach easily with a gentle twist or pinch, minimizing damage to delicate stems.
As an indeterminate variety, Lemon Drop Improved continues growing and setting fruit throughout the season. Pinch off lower leaves (up to 12 inches from the ground) as the plant develops to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure. Remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged leaves promptly. You can also selectively prune suckers (shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches) if you want to manage plant size and direct energy toward fruit production, though the compact 18-24 inch height means this variety needs less aggressive pruning than larger indeterminate types.
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