Fertilizer for Cherry Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are thriving summertime vegetables, and they are some of the most popular home-garden crops in the nation. These vines can become quite large as Beefsteak tomatoes or remain small in dwarf and cherry varieties.

The Facts

• Cherry tomatoes are small tomato plants, and grow to only 12 to 24 inches tall, with fruit that stays under 1 inch in diameter. According to Veggie Gardening Tips, cherry tomato plants are both more resilient and easier to grow than larger varieties.

Growing Requirements

• Cherry tomatoes still require standard tomato-growing conditions -- including bright sun for at least eight hours every day; quick-draining, nutritious soil; and plenty of moisture. Plant cherry tomatoes in early spring with standard tomatoes, and give them the right amount of fertilizer and organic compost for growth and blooming.

Starting Fertilizers

• All tomatoes do best with rich, acidic soil, so cherry tomatoes' first fertilizer should be organic compost in the planting site. Mix compost equally with quick-draining soil for planting, then add a dose of starter fertilizer the day before planting.

Maintenance Fertilizer

• Cherry tomatoes are hungry plants, and do best with regular monthly feedings. The University of Missouri Extension suggests 6-24-24 or 8-32-16 fertilizer for tomatoes. These additional feedings are especially important when the plants begin to bloom and bear fruit, as they need additional resources to produce their tomatoes.