How to grow Cherry Tomato in the UK

Solanum lycopersicum

Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Pinch side shoots on cordon varieties. Don't let pots dry out — uneven watering causes splitting. This guide covers when and how to sow Cherry Tomato, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.

Type

Vegetables

Difficulty

Moderate

Position

full sun (6+ hrs direct)

Sow

March

Harvest

July, August, September, October

When to sow & grow Cherry Tomato

Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):

Jan

Feb

Mar

Sow

Apr

May

Plant

Jun

Jul

Harvest

Aug

Harvest

Sep

Harvest

Oct

Harvest

Nov

Dec

Soil, position & care

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive soil or large pots
Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
Position: Warm, sheltered, full sun or greenhouse
Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
Spacing: 45–60 cm apart
Sowing: Sow indoors Feb–Apr at 18°C; plant out after frost
Growing: Water consistently to avoid splitting/blossom-end rot; feed high-potash weekly once flowering
Harvest & upkeep: Pinch out side-shoots on cordon types; support with canes
Watch for: Blight, whitefly, blossom-end rot

Companion planting for Cherry Tomato

Grows well with:

Asparagus Basil Borage Carrot Celery Chives Comfrey French Marigold Garlic Gooseberry Leek Pot Marigold Mint Nasturtium Onion Flat-leaf Parsley Shallot Spring Onion

Keep apart from:

Broccoli Brussels Sprout Cabbage Cauliflower Florence Fennel Fennel Kale Kohlrabi Mizuna Mustard Greens Pak Choi Potato Rocket Sea Kale Purple Sprouting Broccoli Swede Turnip Walnut

Basil and French marigold mask the scent of tomatoes from pests; keep well away from potatoes and brassicas (shared blight/pests) and from fennel.

Grow Cherry Tomato this year

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Cherry Tomato FAQs

When should I sow Cherry Tomato in the UK?

In the UK, sow Cherry Tomato in March. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.

What grows well with Cherry Tomato?

Cherry Tomato grows well alongside Asparagus, Basil, Borage, Carrot, Celery, Chives. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.

What should you not plant near Cherry Tomato?

Keep Cherry Tomato away from Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Florence Fennel, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.

How much sun does Cherry Tomato need?

Cherry Tomato prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).

When is Cherry Tomato ready to harvest?

Cherry Tomato is typically ready to harvest in July, August, September, October in the UK.

Is Cherry Tomato easy to grow?

Moderate. Pinch side shoots on cordon varieties. Don't let pots dry out — uneven watering causes splitting.

More vegetables to grow

Radish Lettuce Beef Tomato Cucumber Courgette Runner Bean Dwarf French Bean Garden Pea