This charming heirloom cherry tomato carries the legacy of American gardens from the pre-1840s, producing abundant clusters of glossy, nickel-sized red globes that pack remarkable sweetness into just 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Hardy across zones 3-10, these indeterminate vines reach 3 to 8 feet tall and deliver their first harvest in 70-79 days from transplant. The prolific plants are so generous with their self-seeding that gardeners often discover welcome volunteers sprouting the following spring, continuing this variety's centuries-old journey through American gardens.
24
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
96in H x ?in W
—
High
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What sets this variety apart is its remarkable heritage spanning nearly two centuries, proving its exceptional flavor and reliability through generations of gardeners. The indeterminate vines produce continuously throughout the season, offering steady harvests of perfectly sized tomatoes that excel fresh, pickled, or preserved. Their vigorous self-seeding nature means this heirloom practically grows itself, volunteering in gardens year after year like a beloved family tradition.
These bite-sized gems shine in fresh salads where their sweet, tangy flavor adds bursts of brightness, and their perfect size makes them ideal for snacking straight from the vine. Their exceptional flavor translates beautifully into pickles and preserves, where the small fruits maintain their shape while absorbing flavors. The glossy red globes also make stunning garnishes, adding both visual appeal and fresh tomato taste to any dish.
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Start seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant seeds 0.25 inches deep in well-draining, organic potting soil, maintaining temperatures between 65-85°F for germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days. Cover containers with plastic wrap to create greenhouse conditions and provide indirect sunlight.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost when they have developed several true leaves. Choose a location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8). Space plants 24 inches apart with rows 36 inches apart to accommodate their vigorous growth.
Harvest when fruits reach bright red color and feel firm yet slightly yielding when gently squeezed. The tomatoes are ready at 0.5 to 0.75 inches in size with their characteristic glossy appearance. Simply grasp ripe tomatoes and gently twist or cut them from the vine using clean shears, being careful not to damage the plant. Since these are indeterminate, continue harvesting throughout the growing season as fruits ripen continuously.
These indeterminate plants benefit from single-stem training where you remove suckers that appear in leaf axils, concentrating the plant's energy into the main vine for larger, sweeter fruits. Prune lower leaves regularly to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Use clean, sharp shears or gently pinch off suckers to avoid damaging the main stem.
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“Small Red Cherry tomato emerged in American gardens before 1840, making it one of the oldest cherry tomato varieties still grown today. This heirloom has been lovingly passed down through generations of gardeners who recognized its exceptional flavor and dependable performance. Unlike modern hybrids bred for specific traits, this variety earned its place in American gardens purely through its outstanding taste and reliable production, surviving nearly two centuries because home gardeners chose to save its seeds year after year.”