Chocolate Cherry

Tomato

Zone 13a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Chocolate Cherry

🌱 60d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Chocolate Cherry’s richly colored, dark mahogany fruit—sweet-tasting with a gentle, cocoa-cherry depth that…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	Apr 27th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

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

Recommended Companions

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Chocolate Cherry (Solanum lycopersicum) and how can I treat it?

A very common issue is early blight (Alternaria), which shows as dark, concentric spots on lower leaves that gradually yellow and drop. Remove affected lower leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not onto foliage). If new spots keep appearing, spray with an appropriate labeled fungicide for tomatoes and repeat according to the label interval.

How often should I water Chocolate Cherry while it’s actively growing and fruiting?

During the main growing phase (flowering through fruit set), keep the root zone consistently moist with about 1–2 inches of water per week total, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting soil swing from very dry to very wet because cherry tomatoes like Solanum lycopersicum can crack or develop blossom-end rot. Mulch around the plants to stabilize moisture and reduce evaporation.

How do I tell when Chocolate Cherry tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits are fully colored (deep “chocolate” red/brown depending on your plant) and slightly yield when gently squeezed. They should detach easily from the vine without pulling, and they’re typically ready around 60 days from transplanting with ongoing picking as they ripen. Pick regularly to prevent overripening on the cluster.

Sink your senses into Chocolate Cherry’s richly colored, dark mahogany fruit—sweet-tasting with a gentle, cocoa-cherry depth that feels almost velvety on the palate. These compact cherry tomatoes ripen in about 60 days, forming clusters of glossy, bite-size spheres with a firm, juicy texture and a satisfying snap. Grow them for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and striking roasted or pan-simmered sauces where their deep color and mellow sweetness shine through.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Harden off 7–10 days and transplant only when soil is consistently ~60°F+ to avoid cold-stunting; keep evenly moist for best sweetness.