Washington Cherry Tomato is a first-early determinate red cherry tomato that reaches harvest in just 60 days from transplants, making it one of the fastest paths to ripe fruit in the garden. Hardy from zones 3 to 11, this open-pollinated variety grows as a compact, manageable plant that produces consistent yields of bright red cherries. Its determinate growth habit means most of the crop ripens within a concentrated window, ideal for preserving or fresh eating.
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Moderate
3-11
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Moderate
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This red cherry tomato ripens remarkably fast at 60 days from transplants, allowing gardeners in cooler zones to harvest before frost arrives. Its determinate growth keeps plants compact and tidy compared to sprawling indeterminate varieties, and the concentrated ripening window delivers a generous harvest all at once. Open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed year after year, building a connection to your garden across seasons.
Washington Cherry Tomato shines fresh off the vine as a snacking tomato, popped whole into salads, or roasted until the skin splits and releases its concentrated sweetness. The compact plant and prolific flowering habit make it well-suited to container growing, bringing homegrown cherry tomatoes to patios and small-space gardens. Its all-at-once ripening makes it convenient for preserving, whether through drying, canning, or quick pickles.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 5 to 6 weeks before your planned transplant date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in 20-row flats with 20 seeds per row, or individually in 200-cell trays, and lightly cover. Maintain soil temperature at 75 to 85°F with moderate moisture; seeds typically germinate in 5 to 7 days. At the first true leaf stage, pot up seedlings into 50-cell trays or 4-inch pots depending on your transplant timing. Grow under constant 60 to 70°F temperatures with complete fertilizer until hardened off. Avoid starting too early, as leggy, root-bound, or flowering transplants can stunt growth and reduce early production.
Transplant outdoors once night temperatures reliably remain above 50°F and the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 24 inches apart, with rows spaced 48 inches apart. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to increasing light and outdoor conditions before final planting.
Pick cherries when they reach full red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Harvest regularly throughout the ripening window to encourage continued fruit production. Because this is a determinate variety, most fruit will ripen within a concentrated period, so plan your schedule accordingly. The all-at-once ripening makes it convenient to harvest the entire crop for preserving if desired.
For this determinate variety, minimal pruning is needed compared to tall indeterminate types. Allow the plant to develop its natural compact form, but monitor for any branches that become crowded or diseased and remove them at the base. Unlike tall indeterminates, Washington Cherry Tomato does not require aggressive pruning for manageable height.
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