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Grow Cherry Tomatoes Indoors All Year Long
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Posted 9.28.24
The end of the growing season doesn’t mean the end to a fresh harvest. You can grow cherry tomatoes indoors all year round.
Cherry tomatoes are well-suited for indoor gardening because they can thrive in containers and don't require as much space as larger varieties. They are perfect for growing in small areas such as apartments, kitchens, or balconies.
Indoor gardening allows you to control the environment, including light, temperature, humidity, and watering. It’s less work – no weeding and less pruning. You can have healthier plants and more consistent yields since you can avoid unpredictable outdoor weather like frost, extreme heat, or heavy rainfall.
Plus, indoor plants are less exposed to common garden pests like aphids, hornworms, or slugs, and diseases like blight. No pesticides or fungicides mean healthier, chemical-free produce.
And while outdoor cherry tomatoes are limited to the summer season, indoors you can extend the harvest as long as you provide the right conditions. You can have homegrown tomatoes – including during the winter – even multiple harvests from the same plant.
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How do I grow cherry tomatoes inside?
- Choose the right variety. Select a compact or dwarf variety of cherry tomatoes that are well-suited for container growing. Or choose a short-season varieties, which grow to size in less time and with lower light intensity.
- Select the right container. Use as large a pot as possible (at least 5 gallons in size) with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Terra cotta or plastic containers work well. Tomatoes grow deep root systems – even smaller varieties – so they need room to spread out below the soil surface.
- Find the best location. Place your cherry tomato plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing window or balcony where it can get plenty of sunlight is ideal. You can also use grow lights to supplement natural light.
- Use good soil and fertilizer. Fill your container with a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) every 2-4 weeks. Once the plant begins flowering, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium (such as 5-10-10) to encourage fruit development.
- Water regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Provide support. Cherry tomatoes will benefit from support as they grow. Use a small trellis, stakes, or tomato cage to support the plant and prevent it from sprawling.
- Help pollinate flowers. Tomato blossoms are pollinated outdoors by insects, birds, and breezes. Indoors, you need to help out. Gently shake the plant or use a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
- Keep temperature and humidity consistent. Cherry tomatoes prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. They also appreciate moderate humidity levels.
What are the best cherry tomatoes to grow indoors?
Certain cherry tomato varieties are particularly well-suited for growing indoors. They’ve got a compact size, fast growing timetable, and reliable yields. Here are some of the best cherry tomato varieties to grow indoors.
1. Tiny Tim. This dwarf variety that grows to about 12-18 inches tall, making it perfect for small containers and indoor spaces. Tiny Tim produces small, sweet red cherry tomatoes. Its compact size and short growing season (about 60 days to maturity) make it ideal for limited indoor space.
2. Tumbling Tom. A trailing variety, Tumbling Tom is great for hanging baskets or containers where the vines can “tumble” over the sides. Its sweet, yellow or red fruit is decorative and space-saving, with a compact, cascading growth habit that thrives in indoor settings.
3. Micro Tom. Known as the world’s smallest tomato plant, Micro Tom grows to about 6-8 inches tall. Its tiny size and small, sweet fruit make it perfect for windowsills or small pots. Micro Tom tomatoes mature quickly (about 75 days).
4. Balcony Red. This variety is bred specifically for container growing in small spaces. Fruit matures in clusters. Its compact size (about 18 inches tall) and high yields make it an excellent choice for balconies, windowsills, or indoor containers.
5. Patio Princess. Another determinate variety bred for container and indoor gardening, Patio Princess’ fruit is slightly larger than typical cherry tomatoes. Plus it’s a highly productive plant in spite of its size (about 18 inches tall), ideal for small indoor spaces.
6. Red Robin. Another miniature tomato variety! Red Robin grows to only 8-12 inches tall. Its compact, bushy growth habit and early harvest (about 55 days) make it perfect for growing in small pots indoors or even for tabletop gardening.
7. Sweetheart of the Patio. Compact and indeterminate – an unusual combination. This variety that continues to produce throughout the season, provided you stake it or give it some kind of support so it’s manageable.
8. Husky Cherry Red. This dwarf indeterminate variety that is more compact than traditional indeterminate plants. It grows up to about 3 feet tall with continuous production, making it a great choice for larger containers indoors.
9. Orange Hat. A tiny, determinate variety that grows up to 9 inches tall that produces small, flavorful orange cherry tomatoes. A fun tomato to grow and very unique!
10. Yellow Pear. It’s popular in the outdoor garden and slightly larger than other indoor tomatoes varieties, but Yellow Pear can be grown indoors with proper support. Like Orange Hat, it’s decorative. Be sure to give it extra space and stake it.
What are some extra tips for growing cherry tomatoes in pots indoors?
- Size matters! Use pots that are at least 12 inches deep and wide, preferable 5 gallons or more, to give the plant's roots enough space to grow. Larger pots help with stability and prevent the plant from becoming root bound.
- Make sure your containers have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Check to see if your pots have drainage holes. You can also add a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. And don’t forget to place a platter or dish beneath the pot to capture any run-off during watering. Another option: use a self-watering planter.
How long does it take for cherry tomatoes to grow indoors?
From seed to harvest, you’re looking at about 60-80 days (2-3 months) to grow cherry tomatoes indoors, assuming optimal conditions for light, temperature, water, and nutrients. If you start with transplants rather than seeds, this time can be shortened by about 3-4 weeks. Here’s a timeline to follow.
- Germination: 5-10 days.
- Seedling growth:14-28 days. During this stage, your seedlings need plenty of light (6-8 hours per day or grow lights).
- Vegetative growth: 28-42 days. By now, your cherry tomato plant is strong enough to be transplanted to a bigger pot and is focusing on growing leaves, stems, and roots. Give it sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow strong.
- Flowering and fruit set: 14-21 days. When your cherry tomato plant begins to produce flowers, help it along with pollination. Shake the plant gently or use using a brush to transfer pollen.
- Fruit development and ripening: 21-28 days. Small green tomatoes start to form and turn bright red, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety.
What about when it’s very cold outside – can I still grow cherry tomatoes indoors in winter?
Yes – just take a few extra precautions.
- Provide adequate light
Natural light. During the winter, natural sunlight is often limited, especially in northern latitudes where daylight hours are shorter. Place your tomato plants near a south-facing window to maximize the available sunlight.
Grow lights. To supplement the lack of sunlight, consider using full-spectrum LED grow lights. Tomato plants need about 12-16 hours of light per day for optimal growth. Set your lights on a timer to ensure consistent exposure. - Maintain warm temperatures
Cherry tomatoes thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Ensure that the indoor temperature doesn’t drop too low at night, as temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can slow growth and cause fruit development issues.
Keep the plants away from cold drafts, such as near windows or doors that frequently open in the winter. Placing plants in a consistent, warm spot is key.
- Control humidity
Winter heating systems can dry out indoor air, which can stress tomato plants. Aim for 40-70% humidity around your plants. If your home is particularly dry, consider placing a small humidifier near the plants or misting them regularly to maintain humidity levels.
Grow cherry tomatoes indoors … and get ready for spring
With the right setup and care, you can successfully grow cherry tomatoes indoors during the winter and enjoy fresh tomatoes even in the coldest months.
And if you care for your plants so they’re healthy all winter long, you may just be able to take tomato cuttings to root and put in the ground to get a jumpstart on your crop in the spring.
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