Cherry Chocolate
60d to harvest
Sweetly fragrant as ripe cherries, Cherry Chocolate delivers a rich, cocoa-kissed sweetness with a glossy, thin-skinned bite. At maturity, clusters of deep mahogany-red to chocolate-brown fruits form a tidy cascade of color, each one bursting with juicy flavor and a pleasantly firm, succulent texture. Ideal for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and quick pan-roasted bursts of color, Cherry Chocolate also shines in sauces and relish for gardeners who love bold, dessert-like tomato character.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Mar 27th |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Jul 10th |
| Harvest Begins | Sep 8th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 1st |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 60 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Indeterminate |
| Support Needed | Stake |
| Planting Depth | Deep |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 75 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 10 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) like Cherry Chocolate, and how can I manage it at home?
Look out for early blight and leaf spot (Alternaria), which show up as dark, target-like spots that spread from the lower leaves upward. Remove and discard affected leaves right away, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If the problem keeps spreading, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for tomatoes and repeat according to the label interval.
How do I tell when Cherry Chocolate tomatoes are ready to harvest?
Harvest when fruits are fully sized and have a uniform dark brown to mahogany “chocolate” color with a slight give when gently squeezed. You should be able to detach the fruit easily from the vine with a light twist; if it resists, let it color a bit longer. At about 60 days to maturity, start checking daily once plants begin coloring.