Totem Tomato is a compact cherry tomato that shatters the myth that dwarf means low-yield. Reaching just 12 to 18 inches tall, this open-pollinated determinate variety produces bright red cherry tomatoes roughly three-quarters of an inch across in just 70 days from transplant. Its diminutive stature makes it ideal for containers, window boxes, and tight garden spaces, yet it delivers genuine flavor and productivity without requiring any staking or elaborate support systems. Hardy across zones 2 through 11, it thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, from traditional garden beds to indoor setups.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
18in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Totem apart is its genuine practicality for space-constrained gardeners. This dwarf cherry tomato needs no staking, grows barely knee-high, and still produces a dependable harvest of small, sweet red fruits. It's equally at home in a container on a balcony or tucked into a corner of a raised bed, making it one of the few tomato varieties that truly performs at smaller-than-normal scales without sacrificing productivity or disease resistance.
Totem's small, cherry-sized fruits are perfect for snacking straight off the vine, tossing into fresh salads, or halving for garnishes. Their manageable size and bright color make them appealing for lunch boxes and informal entertaining, where you can pass a bowl of whole tomatoes for guests to enjoy without cutting.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch in moist seed-starting mix and maintain soil temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best germination. Seedlings will emerge in 5 to 10 days and should be grown under bright light to prevent legginess.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting. Space transplants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart.
Pick Totem tomatoes when they reach full bright red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Individual fruits should measure approximately three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruit production, and pick all remaining tomatoes before frost arrives since the plant will not recover from freezing temperatures.
Totem is a determinate variety that grows as a compact, self-limiting bush, so minimal pruning is needed. You may remove any lower leaves that touch the soil to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk, but aggressive pruning will diminish your harvest. Since no staking is required, simply allow the plant to sprawl naturally or provide light support if growing in containers exposed to strong winds.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.