Carbon Copy

Tomato

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Indeterminate

Bursting with a glossy, candy-bright sweetness, Carbon Copy cherry tomatoes ripen to a rich, true red that catches the light on t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 16th
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

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)	8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Solanum lycopersicum (chocolate cherry type) in home gardens, and how should I manage it?

Watch for early blight (brown concentric spots on older leaves) and gray mold/botrytis if foliage stays wet. Remove the earliest spotted leaves, improve airflow by pruning lower leaves that touch the soil, and water at the soil line so leaves dry quickly. If problems persist, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes/early blight and repeat according to label directions.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase?

During active fruiting (after flowering), keep soil evenly moist rather than alternating dry and soggy—typically about 1 to 2 inches of water per week total, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply at the base and pause when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to prevent blossom-end rot and cracking. Consistent moisture is especially important around the first fruit set through harvest.

How can I tell when Solanum lycopersicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety (deep chocolate/burgundy tone) and have a slight give when gently squeezed, not rock-hard. The seeds inside should look developed, and the fruit should come off easily with a light twist. For most plantings, expect harvest starting around day ~60 and continue picking every few days to avoid overripening.

Bursting with a glossy, candy-bright sweetness, Carbon Copy cherry tomatoes ripen to a rich, true red that catches the light on the vine. Each fruit is small yet satisfyingly firm, with a juicy snap and a clean, aromatic tomato flavor that shines whether you’re savoring them straight from the garden or letting their vivid taste carry through sauces and quick roasting. Grow Carbon Copy for a steady, early harvest at about 60 days—an abundant, vine-hugging treat for the home gardener who loves flavor that pops.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 8 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors early, keep seedlings from getting leggy, and transplant only when soil is reliably warm (60°F+) to avoid chilling stress.