Cherry Tomato Seeds - Gardener’s Delight - Sugar Lump - Lycopersicon esculentum

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 3-11 - Tomatoes are grown as warm-season annuals in all zones. Planting schedules are dictated by local last frost dates and the need for consistently warm soil.

Best Performance - Achieved in Zones 4-9 where long, warm, and sunny summers provide the ideal climate for these indeterminate vines to reach their full potential, producing fruit for an extended period.

Northern Zones (3-5) - An early indoor start is essential. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date to ensure plants are mature enough to produce a heavy crop during the shorter growing season.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Plant in early spring for a summer harvest. In extreme heat (sustained temperatures over 95 degrees F), plants may drop their blossoms. Providing afternoon shade with shade cloth can improve fruit set. A second crop can often be planted in late summer for fall production.

Soil Temperature - Requires warm soil for germination, with an optimal temperature range of 70-85 degrees F. A seedling heat mat is highly recommended for fast and uniform sprouting.

Growing Season - This variety typically begins producing ripe fruit about 65-70 days after transplanting. Its indeterminate nature means it requires a long growing season to provide the continuous harvest it is known for.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last anticipated frost date. Direct sowing is not recommended in most climates as tomatoes need a long growing season.

Sowing and Germination:

Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a sterile, high-quality seed-starting mix.

Heat & Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (70-85 degrees F). A seedling heat mat will significantly improve germination rates.

Light: Once seedlings emerge, provide strong, direct light for 14-16 hours a day. A grow light is best to prevent seedlings from becoming tall and leggy.

Transplanting and Spacing:

Hardening Off: Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to the sun and wind over 7-10 days.

Transplanting: Transplant into the garden only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees F.

Plant Deep: Bury the stem deeper than it was in its pot, up to the first set of true leaves. The buried portion of the stem will sprout new roots, creating a stronger plant.

Spacing: Space plants 24-36 inches apart to provide ample room for air circulation.

Ongoing Care:

Support (Crucial): 'Gardener's Delight' is an indeterminate (vining) tomato and requires support. Install a tall, sturdy stake, cage, or trellis at the time of planting.

Light: Plant in a location that receives full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day).

Soil: Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.8.

Water: Water deeply and consistently, aiming for 1-2 inches per week. Irregular watering can lead to blossom end rot and cracking. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep foliage dry. Mulching is highly recommended to conserve moisture.

Fertilizing: Mix a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Once flowering begins, switch to a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium to promote fruit production.

Harvesting: For the best flavor, harvest when the tomatoes are a deep, glossy red and are firm but have a slight give. They should pull easily from the vine.