Black Cherry Tomato
Black Cherry Tomato seeds produce one of the most visually striking and flavour-forward cherry tomatoes available to home gardeners. This indeterminate variety bears clusters of small, round, deep mahogany-purple fruits — a rich, dusky colour that sets them apart on the vine and on the plate. Developed by Vincent Sapp of Tomato Growers Supply, Black Cherry delivers a bold, complex sweetness balanced by just enough acidity, with a depth of flavour that exceeds what its modest size suggests.
Growing Guide
Black Cherry Tomato is a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun — aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Days to maturity: approximately 64 to 72 days from transplant. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost date, sowing 6mm (¼ inch) deep in seed-starting mix. Transplant seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 10°C (50°F).
Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart in rows 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 inches) wide. As an indeterminate variety, Black Cherry will continue to grow and fruit until frost, often reaching 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 feet) or more. Sturdy staking, caging, or trellis support is essential. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Consistent watering helps prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Suitable for gardeners at all experience levels.
Harvest & Use
Fruits are ready to harvest when they reach their signature deep purplish-mahogany colour and yield slightly to gentle pressure — typically mid to late summer through the first frost. Each fruit measures roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter and forms in generous, branching clusters that make harvesting efficient and satisfying.
The flavour profile is rich and sweet with earthy, wine-like undertones — far more complex than standard red cherry varieties. Black Cherry tomatoes shine in fresh salads, charcuterie boards, and antipasto platters where their colour creates dramatic contrast. They roast beautifully, concentrating their sweetness into an intense, jammy bite, and make a striking addition to homemade salsa or slow-cooked pasta sauces. Store freshly harvested fruits at room temperature for up to a week — refrigeration dulls their flavour.
A prolific producer with exceptional taste and visual appeal, Black Cherry is a reliable choice for anyone wanting a cherry tomato that performs as well in the kitchen as it does in the garden.
