James H. Schutte
Family
Solanaceae
Botanical Name
LYCOPERSICON esculentum 'Tiny Tim'
Plant Common Name
Cherry Tomato, Tiny Tim Cherry Tomato
General Description
A pint-sized heirloom tomato that's perfect for pots, window boxes, dooryards, and other tight spaces, 'Tiny Tim' bears tasty, grape-sized fruits on dwarf, determinate (non-vining) plants that do not need staking. This variety is open pollinated, so plants can be raised from garden-collected seed or from purchased seeds or plants. Harvest begins 45 to 60 days after seedlings are set out.
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.
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 occur 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.
Tomatoes make a good winter crop for subtropical or tropical gardens. For a winter harvest in colder climes, grow a dwarf variety (such as 'Tiny Tim') in a warm sunny location indoors.
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.
