Photo: "First Red 2008" by Christopher Paquette · CC BY 2.0

Tomato · Cherry

Patio Princess Tomatoes

Determinate · Solanaceae

Purpose-bred compact container cherry tomato. Very bushy, 1.5-2.5 ft tall. Produces cherry-sized (~1 inch) red fruit. Lower yield than full-size types but excellent for patios, balconies, and windowsills. Self-supporting — no cage required. Early DTM makes it very reliable for short-season zones.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

65–70 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun, 8+ hours

Spacing

12–18 "

Seed Start

6–8 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1.5–2.5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–10 days

Optimal Temp 80°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 60°F

Harden Off 10 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Base watering for containers

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Quality potting mix — NOT garden soil in containers

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Low Drought: Low

Disease Resistance

Common Problems

container-drought

Cause: Small containers dry out rapidly in hot weather

Prevention: Self-watering containers, daily moisture checks, mulch

nutrient-depletion

Cause: Limited soil volume in containers

Prevention: Regular liquid feeding every 1-2 weeks. Slow-release granules at planting.

blossom-drop

Cause: Temperature extremes — container plants heat up faster than in-ground

Prevention: Move containers to afternoon shade in heat waves. Light-colored containers reflect heat.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Calcium Critical — supplement recommended

Recommended Recipes Root drench

Harvest

Fully colored red, ~1 inch round, slight give. Same ripeness indicators as other cherry types.

Expected Yield 1–3 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Counter at room temp. Never refrigerate.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Genovese basil Plant in adjacent container. Repels aphids.

French marigold Plant in adjacent container. Pest deterrent.

Avoid Planting Near

Herb fennel Keep separated

Sources

seed_catalog Bonnie Plants seed_catalog Burpee seed_catalog Park Seed university University of Maryland Extension

More Tomatos

Patio Princess Tomatoes Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Patio Princess Tomatoes vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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