Grape Tomato Growing

Cherry tomatoes are larger than grape tomatoes.

Grape tomato plants are hybrid tomatoes developed in Southeast Asia that were introduced to North America in 1997, reports the Iowa State University Extension. These small, sweet tomatoes are grape-sized and grow in clusters like grapes on the vine. Grape tomatoes are smaller and sweeter than cherry tomatoes. The smooth skin and firm texture make grape tomatoes good for eating fresh or in a salad.

Planting

Grape tomato plants appreciate deep, loose soil full of organic material such as compost and well-rotted manure. Select stocky plants that are 6 to 10 inches tall with a thick stem for transplanting into the garden. Transplant the grape tomato plants after all danger of frost has passed from mid-March until early May. Place the tomato plant in the soil deep enough so that the top two to threes sets of leaves are above the ground. A strong root system grows along any underground stem and leaves. Space the plants 2 feet apart in rows spaced 5 feet apart.

After Planting

Tomato plants flop on the ground if left unsupported, which increases fruit rot, decreases fruit production and makes harvesting fruit difficult. Support the grape tomato plants with stakes, trellises or cages, which take advantage of vertical growing space. Right after planting, install a cage around the young tomato plant or tie the stem to a stake as the plant grows. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the grape tomato plant. Use straw, chopped leaves or compost to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth.

Care

Grape tomato plants are heavy feeders and needs regular feeding of 10-10-10 complete slow-release fertilizer. Create a shallow trench 6 inches from the tomato stems and sprinkle the fertilizer into the trench. Use 1 lb. for every 100 feet of planted tomato rows and cover with soil. Water immediately to activate the fertilizer and repeat feeding every four weeks until the end of the growing season. Keep the area weed-free by pulling the weeds up by hand. Grape tomato plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. The root zone must be kept moist to produce an abundance of fruit. Water the tomato plants deeply and regularly when the weather turns dry and hot.

Types

There are several developed varieties of grape tomato plants available for growing in the home garden. Brixmore is a very early grape tomato plant that stops growing when the fruit is produced. Cupid produces grape tomatoes in 59 days and continues to grow taller throughout the growing season. Santa is ready for harvest in 75 days with elongated grape-shaped fruit. Smarty is one of the shorter tomato plants that produce sweet, red fruit in 69 days.

References

• Iowa State University Extension; Grape Tomato; May 2007
• University of Maryland Extension; Tomatoes; Jon Traunfeld; May 2010
• The University of Georgia Extension; Georgia Home Grown Tomatoes; Robert R. Westerfield; April 2009
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Tomato Cultivars for Production in Florida; G. McAvoy, et al.; 2009