Campari

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Bursting with a glossy, candy-bright sweetness and a lively, tangy snap, Campari cherry tomatoes ripen to a rich scarlet that practically glows in the garden.

Their firm, juicy texture holds beautifully on the vine, delivering concentrated flavor in every bite—ideal for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and quick sauces that showcase their bright acidity. Grow Campari for a steady harvest of uniform, bite-size fruits that turn baskets into bouquets of color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Campari’s firm, glassy skins and high-tension sweet-tang balance are made for heat-light cooking—hit them hot for a minute or two and they keep their shape while releasing a punchy, glossy sauce. Skip heavy cream here; you want acidity and sweetness to stay in the driver’s seat.

Best Uses

grape-to-mouth snacking or blistered 2-minute pan quickies
tossed cherry-tomato salad where the skins stay intact and juicy
fast sautéed or smashed tomato jam for toast
rapid, bright pan sauce for shrimp or chicken that clings instead of watery-splits

Flavor Profile

candy-bright sweetness lively tangy snap firm, juicy bite with low pulpiness glossy, high-impact tomato acidity

Kitchen Pairings

garlic red onion fresh mozzarella balsamic vinegar olive oil black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Solanum lycopersicum (Campari tomato) and how do I manage it at home?

Early blight (Alternaria) shows up as dark, target-like spots on older leaves, which then yellow and drop. Remove and discard infected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, and water at the soil line; improve airflow by spacing plants and pruning lower leaves that touch the ground. If it’s spreading, use an approved fungicide labeled for tomatoes and begin treatment early after the first spots appear.

How often should I water Campari tomatoes during the main growing phase to prevent issues?

During active fruiting, keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than frequent light watering, and stop letting the soil dry out completely between cycles. Consistent moisture reduces blossom-end rot and helps prevent cracking.

How can I tell when Campari tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (bright red), firm but not hard, and easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist. If the shoulders are still green or the fruit is mostly pale, leave it a few more days in full sun. For peak sweetness, pick at full color and size around the typical 60-day maturity window from transplanting.