Tomatoes
65-75days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z10–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil is at least 60°F.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
High — consistent moisture needed
Soil
Rich, well-drained loam with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Spacing
24-36 inches
Height
1-10 feet
Season
Year Round

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark purple-black with deep red interior
Size
1 oz
Shape
Round cherry tomato
Flavour
Rich, complex, sweet-tart with smoky undertones

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, salads, garnish, roasting, specialty cocktails

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Tomato hornworm, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites
Diseases
Late blight, early blight, fusarium wilt, bacterial speck
Resistance
Limited disease resistance typical of heirlooms

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1MayJuly – August—September – August
2April – MayJune – July—September
3AprilJune – July—August – October
4March – AprilJune—August – October
5MarchMay – June—August – October
6MarchMay – June—July – September
7February – MarchApril – May—July – September
8FebruaryApril – May—June – August
9JanuaryMarch – April—May – July
10JanuaryFebruary – March—May – July
11JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June
12JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June
13JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while potentially enhancing tomato flavor
MarigoldsDeters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds
CarrotsHelps break up soil for tomato roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control tomato pests
ChivesRepels aphids and may help prevent fungal diseases
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from tomatoes
LettuceProvides living mulch, conserves soil moisture, and can be harvested before tomatoes need full space
PeppersShare similar growing requirements and don't compete significantly for resources

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that causes tomato wilt and stunted growth
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit tomato growth and development
BrassicasCan stunt tomato growth and attract pests that also affect tomatoes
CornBoth are heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, and corn can harbor tomato fruitworm

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
63
Protein (g)
1.06
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
16
Fibre (g)
2.1
Sugars (g)
12.8
Vitamin A (µg)
3
Vitamin C (mg)
7
Vitamin E (mg)
0.07
Vitamin K (µg)
2.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.049
Folate (µg)
4
Calcium (mg)
13
Iron (mg)
0.36
Magnesium (mg)
11
Phosphorus (mg)
21
Potassium (mg)
222
Zinc (mg)
0.07
Selenium (µg)
0

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the tomatoes growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Heirloom Black Cherry?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other tomatoes with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Heirloom Black Cherry suits these too.

Browse all 91 tomatoes