Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme.
One of the very rare open-pollinated cherry tomatoes that can seriously rival the famous super-sweet hybrids of the modern seed industry. Where most ultra-sweet cherry tomatoes (Sweet Million, Sun Gold, Sweet 100) are patented hybrids whose seeds you can't save, the Sweetie offers exactly the same virtues — high sugar content (10-12% Brix, two to three times that of a standard table tomato), generous production, crack resistance, exceptional vigour — while remaining open-pollinated, meaning you can save the seeds year after year and get the same variety reliably.
An indeterminate plant that can reach 1.8 to 2.5 m in full season — stake it firmly. Spectacular clusters of 8-12 small bright-red fruits, nearly round, 2-3 cm in diameter, that ripen together in cascades; a whole cluster often makes a pretty serving on its own, served as-is on a cheese board, in a miniature caprese salad, or just for grazing while walking through the garden. Round, intensely sweet, almost candied flavour, with just enough acidity to stay balanced — kids love them, adults too, and visitors often leave with their hands full. Excellent cooked as well: slow-roasted in the oven with olive oil, garlic and thyme for jarred preserves; dehydrated for intensely sweet concentrated tomatoes; or simply burst in a pan with pasta for a quick sauce.
Grower's tip: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, at 22-25 °C, under generous light. Transplant by burying the stem up to the first leaves. As an indeterminate plant, suckering (removing the shoots that emerge in the leaf axils) helps concentrate energy into the main clusters and keeps the plant manageable — but with a variety this productive, don't sucker too severely or you'll lose interesting clusters. Sturdy staking is essential: a loaded plant in full season can easily weigh several kilograms.
- Open-pollinated. Comes true from seed. Self-pollinating; low crossing risk.
- Height: 1.8-2.5 m. Indeterminate plant; sturdy staking and suckering recommended.
- Maturity: 65-75 days after transplant. Continuous production until frost.
- Exposure: full sun, sheltered from wind.
- Rich, deep, well-drained soil. Space plants 60 cm apart. Mulching recommended to stabilize moisture.
- Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant once all frost risk has passed and the soil reaches at least 15 °C (late May/early June in Québec).
