Which month is the best to plant cherry tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes , also known as cherry tomatoes, are very small and cute. They are a popular small tomato variety that is suitable for planting in spring and autumn. In different regions, the planting time of cherry tomatoes varies slightly to adapt to local climatic characteristics. The growth cycle of cherry tomatoes varies depending on the variety and environmental conditions, usually between 110 and 170 days. It usually takes 40 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Let’s learn and understand together which month is the best to plant cherry tomatoes?

Which month is the best to plant cherry tomatoes?

1. Spring planting

Northern region: Spring is the ideal time to grow cherry tomatoes in the northern region. Generally speaking, April to June is the best planting window. During this period, the temperature gradually warms up and the sunshine is sufficient, which is conducive to the growth and development of cherry tomatoes.

Southern Region: Spring comes earlier in the southern region, so February to May is the suitable planting time. In this season, the climate is warm and humid, providing a good growing environment for cherry tomatoes.

2. Autumn planting

Northern region: Autumn is also suitable for growing cherry tomatoes, especially from August to September. At this time, the climate gradually becomes cooler, and the temperature difference between day and night is appropriate, which helps to improve the quality of cherry tomatoes.

Southern Region: The autumn planting period in the south is slightly longer, extending from August to October. Planting during this season avoids the high temperatures of summer while taking advantage of favorable climatic conditions in fall.

Cherry tomato seedling management

1. Cultivate high-quality seedlings

Choose a suitable planting site: Select land with deep soil, good drainage, sheltered from the wind and facing the sun for planting to ensure that the seedlings can grow in a good environment.

Soil preparation: Before sowing, apply sufficient base fertilizer, including decomposed organic fertilizer (2500-3000 kg per mu), compound fertilizer (30 kg) and superphosphate (50 kg), and use carbendazim to disinfect the soil, deep plow the land to 25-30 cm, and carefully prepare the land for ridges.

Select seeds: Choose high-quality seeds with full grains and no pests or diseases, and use healthy seedbed soil for seedling cultivation.

Seed treatment: Before sowing, soak the seeds in solutions such as carbendazim and potassium permanganate for 10 minutes, then soak them in warm water for 6-8 hours, and finally place them in an environment of about 25 degrees for germination for 3-4 days. Sow them after more than 70% of the seeds turn white.

Seedling management: When the seedlings grow to 2 leaves and 1 heart, thin them out. When they have 4-5 leaves, transplant them. The planting quantity per mu should be controlled at 2500-3500 trees.

2. Water and fertilizer management

Reasonable fertilization: Cherry tomatoes need sufficient water and fertilizer to maintain healthy growth and prevent premature aging. In addition to base fertilizer, top dressing is required 2-3 times during the flowering and fruiting period, especially increasing the appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

Timing of top dressing: The first time of top dressing is when the first bunch of fruits begins to swell, the second time is when the first bunch of fruits is about to be harvested and the second bunch of fruits begins to swell, and the third time is when the second bunch of fruits is about to be harvested and the third bunch of fruits begins to swell. Apply appropriate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer each time.

Watering principles: Water should be controlled during the seedling stage, and the soil should be kept moist during the flowering and fruiting stages, especially during the fruit expansion period, to promote fruit development and prevent diseases and pests.

3. Plant management

Pruning and branching: Pruning, branching and leaf thinning should be carried out in a timely manner to regulate the growth of the plant, increase the amount of fruiting on side branches, reduce the ineffective consumption of nutrients, improve ventilation and light conditions, and promote rapid expansion and early maturity of the fruit.

Pruning method: For limited growth varieties, retain two strong side branches; for unlimited growth varieties, use appropriate pruning methods, such as single-stem pruning, double-pole pruning or one-and-a-half-stalk pruning.

Thin out ineffective growth: promptly remove ineffective side branches, axillary buds, old yellow and diseased leaves, etc. to concentrate nutrients on healthy growing branches.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and seedling management key points of cherry tomatoes. In fact, there are many different varieties of cherry tomatoes. When you want to plant them, it is best to consider the actual situation.