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Solanaceae
Lycopersicon esculentum 'Small Fry'
Small Fry Cherry Tomato, Tomato
The sweet, juicy, grape-sized fruits of this 1970 All-America Selection are borne on determinate (non-vining), disease-resistant plants. Harvest begins 65 to 70 days after plants are set out, and continues after most other determinate types have stopped bearing. This F1 hybrid must be propagated from purchased seed (saved seed will not come true).
Tomatoes are short-lived tender perennials that are usually grown as annuals. Their medium green, hairy, compound leaves have a strong fragrance and are not to be eaten. Mature vines produce distinctive yellow flowers, which are bee pollinated. These are followed by succulent tomato fruits, which are technically berries.
Tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Seeds germinate poorly in cool soil, so plants are best started indoors several weeks before the last frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them to the garden. Set them deeply in the ground for best establishment; the main stem will form roots beneath the soil’s surface. Determinate types such as this are relatively compact and bushy and do not require staking.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it is important to provide them with regular water and nutrients. Be sure to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Overwatering can result in cracking of fruit and diminished flavor. Best production and flavor occurs when both days and nights are warm. Tomato fruits become tough and less flavorful when subjected to cooler temperatures, and should not be stored in the refrigerator for this reason. In warm, frost-free regions they may be grown as a winter crop.
For more detailed information about tomato pests and diseases, refer to the general entry for the species (Lycopersicon esculentum) in the Learn2Grow.com plant database.
12 - 1
11 - 15
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm
Indeterminate
Mexico, Central America, South America
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Yellow
Red
Green, Dark Green
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Matte
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable
Butterflies
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