Tomato Chocolate Cherry Vegetable Seeds

Tomato Chocolate Cherry an Indeterminate type (Single stem, remove side shoots). Brix value 9

A large cherry weigh about 20 grams, described by the tasting panel at the RHS 2017 trial as having a "good, balanced flavour" but deemed too large to qualify for an AGM.

Bred from the popular heritage variety 'Black Cherry', 'Black Opal' has an improved growth habit, firmer texture and much better flavour recording a brix value of 9. The large, complex trusses bear an impressively heavy crop.

Dark fruited tomatoes, while tasty eaten raw, are transformed by cooking and 'Black Opal' is outstanding in this respect.

Tomato Chocolate Cherry is a exotic-looking, cordon variety producing an abundance of early ripening fruit on vigorous plants throughout the summer. Perfect for containers or planters in the greenhouse or on the patio, but can also be planted in a sunny spot in the garden. Another children's favourite, this cherry makes a great addition to and relish tray or rainbow mix of small fruited tomatoes.

Height: 200cm (79"). Spread: 50cm (20"). 75 days.

For greenhouse cultivation: sow from February to March.
For outdoor cultivation: sow from March to April.
Sow seeds on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed sowing mix and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place seed trays in a propagator at a constant temperature of around 15-20C (59-68F) until after germination, which takes 7-14 days. When seedlings gain 2 true leaves, transplant into individual 7.5cm (3") pots of compost and grow on at a minimum temperature of 15C (59F).

When growing in a heated glasshouse tomato plants may be transplanted at the end of May or when the first flowers are showing, if earlier. Allow 3 plants per growbag, or one per 25cm (10") pot, or plant tomatoes directly into the greenhouse soil.

When growing tomatoes outdoors, wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting tomatoes. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting out from early June when tomato plants are 20cm (8") tall. Choose a sheltered position in full sun on fertile, reliably moist, well drained soil, and transplant at a distance of 60cm (24") apart. Drive a (5') cane into the soil adjacent to each plant to support them as they grow, and tie each main stem to its support with soft garden twine.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.