Tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Tomatoberry Garden'
ABOUT
The 'Tomatoberry Garden' tomato plant is known for its unique, visually appealing fruit. Sporting a charming strawberry-like shape, the tomatoes produced by this variety are distinctive and eye-catching. They develop a vibrant, glossy red color when ripe, adding a burst of color to the plant's appearance. The tomatoes are small and typically feature a very sweet flavor profile that is favoured in culinary uses like salads or snacking. Foliage-wise, this plant exhibits the characteristic green leaves of tomato plants, which are often pinnate with smooth edges. The leaf structure gives the plant a bushy, lush look. The stems are strong and support the weight of the tomatoes well, enabling the clusters of fruit to hang attractively among the leaves. Flowers of this plant are yellow and star-shaped, typical of tomato plants, adding another layer of visual interest prior to fruit development. Overall, the 'Tomatoberry Garden' tomato plant is not only valued for its tasty fruit but also for its pleasing aesthetic in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Tomatoberry Garden, Cherry Tomato, Grape Tomato.
Common names
Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Solanum lycopersicum.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Solanum lycopersicum 'Tomatoberry Garden' is tomato. Tomatoes are not toxic to humans when eaten ripe; in fact, they are widely consumed as part of many diets around the world. However, the green parts of the tomato plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic in large quantities. Ingesting large amounts of the green parts of the plant can potentially lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, even coma. It is rare for these parts of the tomato plant to be consumed in quantities sufficient to cause these symptoms.
To pets
The common name of Solanum lycopersicum 'Tomatoberry Garden' is tomato. Tomato plants can be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, if they consume the green parts of the plant, which contain alkaloids such as solanine and tomatine. The ripe fruit is generally not considered toxic to pets, but the stems, leaves, and green unripe fruit can cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested. Symptoms of tomato poisoning in pets may include gastrointestinal distress, weakness, confusion, and — in severe cases or with significant ingestion — even heart-related effects. If a pet ingests a large amount of the green parts of the tomato plant, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: High in vitamins A and C, providing essential nutrients.
- Edible Fruit: Produces sweet, berry-shaped tomatoes ideal for fresh eating and salads.
- Home Gardening: Suitable for container gardening and small spaces.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Attractive red fruits add visual interest to gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees, which help pollinate other plants.
- Culinary Versatility: Fruit can be used in a wide range of culinary dishes.
- Educational Tool: Gardening with tomato plants can be educational for children and adults alike.
Medical Properties- Lycopene content: Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Vitamin C: Being high in vitamin C, tomatoes can contribute to the immune system's health, skin health, and wound healing.
- Potassium: Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Folate: Tomatoes contain folate, which is beneficial for pregnant women as it can help prevent neural tube defects in fetuses.
- Dietary fiber: The fiber in tomatoes can aid in digestive health and promote regular bowel movements.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The red pigment from tomatoes can be used to dye fabrics or craft materials, creating a range of pink to red hues.
- Ink for writing: Crushed tomato juice has been historically used as a makeshift ink for writing or drawing.
- Photographic emulsion: The acidic properties of tomatoes have been used in experimental photography to create a photo-sensitive emulsion.
- Botanical art medium: Tomato seeds and skin can be incorporated into botanical collages or used as textural elements in art pieces.
- Seed saving and education: Collecting seeds from tomatoes to teach about plant life cycles, genetics, and biodiversity.
- Tomato festivals: In some cultures, tomatoes are the focus of festivals where they are celebrated, exhibited, and even used in events like tomato throwing.
- Natural pest control in gardens: Planting tomatoes can repel certain insects and protect neighboring plants due to their strong scent.
- Culinary education: The plant can be used to teach culinary skills and tomato-based recipe creation in cooking classes or workshops.
- Vegetable carving: Tomatoes can be intricately carved for garnishing and decorating food plates in culinary presentations.
- Play food for children: The plant can be used to create realistic fake food for children's play kitchens or educational purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe tomato plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tomato plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The most common common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Tomatoberry Garden' is "cherry tomato". Cherry tomatoes are often associated with love due to their red color and heart-like shape, symbolizing passion and the sweetness of emotions.
- Nourishment: As a food crop, cherry tomatoes provide sustenance and are symbolic of physical and spiritual nourishment, representing the ability to sustain and enrich life.
- Health: Cherry tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a symbol for good health and a strong body.
- Abundance: Tomato plants are known for their prolific production of fruit, which can symbolize abundance and fertility in various aspects of one's life.
- Protection: The tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family, and historically, it was thought to possess protective properties. Its symbolism can thus extend to offering protection against negativity and evil influences.
WaterTomato plants, specifically the 'Tomatoberry Garden' variety, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage strong root development. Aim to water the soil – not the leaves – to minimize the risk of disease. The frequency of watering can vary, but generally, you should provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, which equates to about 0.5-1 gallons for each plant depending on soil type and weather conditions. During hot weather or if you're growing in containers, you might need to water every day to keep the soil consistently moist. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
LightThe 'Tomatoberry Garden' tomato plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for growing tomatoes is in a location where they will receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Position them away from taller plants or structures that could create shade and reduce the plant's exposure to sunlight.
TemperatureTomato plants, including the 'Tomatoberry Garden', grow best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 59 to 70 degrees at night. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything lower can be detrimental to the plant. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95 degrees can cause the plant to stop producing fruit.
PruningPruning 'Tomatoberry Garden' tomato plants helps to improve air circulation, which can reduce the risk of disease and ensure that the plant's energy is directed towards producing fruit. Remove suckers and any non-fruit-bearing branches, especially those at the bottom of the plant that don't receive much light. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plant is dry. Perform light pruning every one to two weeks during the growing season to keep the plant healthy and productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTomato plants, including 'Tomatoberry Garden', thrive in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. A good mix can be made using equal parts of compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular testing and amendment of soil pH are recommended to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.
RepottingTomato plants, such as 'Tomatoberry Garden', are typically not repotted as they are annuals; they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, if started indoors, they should be transplanted once to outdoor conditions after the last frost, when they outgrow their initial container and need more space to grow.
Humidity & MistingTomato plants like the 'Tomatoberry Garden' prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%. Humid conditions are important during the flowering and fruit setting stages, but excessive humidity can promote fungal diseases, so adequate air circulation is also essential.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, strong light, warm temp, and stake plants.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, regular watering, and staking needed.
Hardiness zone
3-12 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of the tomato plant 'Tomatoberry Garden' begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture trigger the emergence of the radicle and then the shoot from the seed. Seedlings develop true leaves and a stronger root system after cotyledons (first leaves) appear. Following transplantation to the garden or larger pots, the plants enter the vegetative stage, rapidly growing foliage and stems. The flowering stage comes next, with yellow flowers developing that are pollinated by wind or insects, leading to fruit set. The tomato fruits grow, initially green before ripening to a vibrant red, indicating the fruiting stage when they are ready for harvest. After the harvesting stage, if not maintained for further cycles, the plant eventually ages and reaches the end of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Solanum lycopersicum 'Tomatoberry Garden', known commonly as the cherry tomato, is by seed. Seeds can be sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost to give them a head start. Using a seed starting mix, plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep (approximately 6 millimeters) in small containers or flats. The containers should be placed in a warm location, as cherry tomatoes germinate best at temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is crucial for germination. Once seedlings emerge and grow to a few inches tall with several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperature have consistently reached at least 60°F (15°C).
