Getting the spacing right for your cherry tomato plants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for a healthy harvest. If you’re wondering how far apart to plant cherry tomatoes, you’re already on the right track to giving your plants the best start.
Proper spacing affects everything from air flow and disease prevention to how much fruit each plant produces. Crowded plants compete for light and nutrients, while plants with too much space can waste valuable garden real estate. Let’s break down the optimal spacing for growth, so you can plan your garden with confidence.
How Far Apart To Plant Cherry Tomatoes
The simple answer is that cherry tomato plants need 18 to 36 inches of space between them. The exact distance depends heavily on the type of plant you are growing and the support system you plan to use.
For determinate (bush) varieties, which grow to a fixed size, aim for 18 to 24 inches between plants. For indeterminate (vining) varieties, which grow and produce fruit all season, you need 24 to 36 inches between plants. Rows should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart.
Why Spacing Is Non-Negotiable for Healthy Plants
Ignoring spacing recommendations is a common mistake that leads to many problems. When plants are too close, they create a humid environment perfect for fungal diseases like blight. Poor air circulation means leaves stay wet longer after rain or watering.
Plants also compete for sunlight. Tomato plants need full sun, and crowded leaves will shade each other out. This reduces photosynthesis, leading to weaker plants and fewer flowers. Below ground, roots compete for water and nutrients, which can stunt growth and effect overall yield.
Spacing Based on Tomato Type: Determinate vs. Indeterminate
Knowing your tomato type is the first step to choosing the right spacing.
- Determinate Cherry Tomatoes (Bush Types): These plants grow like a bush to a set height, often around 3 to 4 feet, and produce most of their fruit all at once. They tend to be more compact. Space determinate cherry tomatoes 18 to 24 inches apart. Examples include ‘Bush Cherry’ and ‘Patio Choice Yellow.’
- Indeterminate Cherry Tomatoes (Vining Types): These are the classic, sprawling tomato vines that grow continuously until frost. They can reach 6 to 10 feet or more. They require robust support and more room. Space indeterminate cherry tomatoes 24 to 36 inches apart. Popular varieties like ‘Sun Gold,’ ‘Sweet 100,’ and ‘Black Cherry’ are indeterminate.
How Your Support Method Changes Spacing Needs
Your choice of support directly influences how much horizontal space each plant needs. A good support system allows you to sometimes plant a bit closer, as it keeps growth vertical.
Using Tomato Cages
Cages are common for both types. For determinate plants, a standard cage works fine with 18-inch spacing. For vigorous indeterminate vines, you need the largest, sturdiest cage you can find. Even with a big cage, maintain at least 24 inches of space, as branches will spill out.
Using a Stake or Single Stem System
This method involves tying the main stem to a tall stake and regularly pruning off “suckers” (side shoots). This creates a single, vertical vine. Because the plant is trained so narrowly, you can space indeterminate plants as close as 18 inches, but 24 inches is safer. This method requires weekly maintenance.
Using a Trellis or Florida Weave
A trellis or the “Florida Weave” system (using posts and twine) is excellent for multiple plants in a row. Plants are trained vertically between lines of twine. This efficient system allows for spacing in the 18- to 24-inch range for indeterminate types, as plants are supported and kept from sprawling into each other.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting with Perfect Spacing
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny spot. Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches, mixing in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Tomatoes love rich, well-draining soil.
- Mark Your Positions: Use a tape measure and small stakes or a stick to mark where each plant will go. This prevents guesswork once you start digging.
- Dig Deep Holes: Tomato plants benefit from deep planting. Dig a hole that is at least twice as deep and wide as the seedling’s root ball. For leggy seedlings, you can bury a portion of the stem, as it will grow additional roots.
- Place and Space: Set your seedling in the hole, ensuring the distance from the center of this hole to the center of the next marked hole matches your target spacing (e.g., 24 inches).
- Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently firm it around the stem, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
- Add Support Immediately: Install your cage, stake, or trellis right after planting. Adding it later can damage the growing roots.
Special Spacing Scenarios: Containers and Raised Beds
Spacing rules adjust for confined spaces. In a raised bed, you can often use the “square foot gardening” method. For determinate cherry tomatoes, one plant per 1×1 foot square is possible with good support. For indeterminate, allow one plant per 2×2 foot area.
For containers, the pot size is critical. A single determinate cherry tomato plant needs a pot at least 12-14 inches in diameter and depth. For an indeterminate variety, choose a large 18- to 24-inch pot for just one plant. Never try to put more than one cherry tomato plant in a standard-sized container; they will quickly become root-bound and stressed.
Common Spacing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Mistake 1: Trusting the Nursery Tag Spacing. Tags often say “space 24 inches apart” as a generic rule. Always verify if your specific variety is determinate or indeterminate and adjust accordingly.
- Mistake 2: Underestimating Mature Size. It’s easy to look at tiny seedlings and think they have plenty of room. Visualize them at their full, leafy, fruiting size. They will fill the space quicker than you think.
- Mistake 3: Forgetting About Access. Leave enough space between rows or at the edge of beds for you to walk, weed, water at the base, and harvest without stepping on soil or crushing plants.
What to Do If You’ve Already Planted Too Close
If your plants are already overcrowded, don’t panic. You have a few options. The best, if the seedlings are still very small, is to carefully transplant some to a new location with proper spacing. Water them well before and after the move.
If they are too established to move, focus on aggressive pruning. For indeterminate plants, prune suckers diligently to maintain one or two main stems. Remove the bottom 6-12 inches of leaves to improve air flow at the soil level. Be extra vigilant about watering at the soil line (not the leaves) to minimize disease risk.
FAQ: Your Cherry Tomato Spacing Questions Answered
Can I plant cherry tomatoes closer together for a bigger harvest?
Planting closer than recommended usually reduces your total harvest per plant. Plants become stressed and produce less fruit. It’s better to have fewer, healthier plants that produce abundantly than many struggling plants.
What happens if I plant cherry tomatoes too far apart?
While less harmful than crowding, too much space wastes garden area and can allow more weeds to grow. The plants will be fine, but you could have used the extra space for another crop or plant.
How much space do cherry tomatoes need in a greenhouse?
In a greenhouse, where disease pressure from humidity is higher, err on the side of more space. Give indeterminate varieties a full 36 inches between plants and ensure excellent ventilation.
Do different cherry tomato varieties need different spacing?
Yes, always check the seed packet or plant description. Some indeterminate varieties are exceptionally vigorous (like ‘Sun Gold’) and will appreciate the full 36 inches. Some newer dwarf indeterminate or “compact” varieties may do fine with 18-inch spacing.
Is spacing different for seeds vs. starter plants?
The final spacing is the same. If direct-sowing seeds, you will sow them and then later “thin” the seedlings to the proper final spacing, keeping only the strongest plant at each marked spot. Its easier for most gardeners to start with transplants.
Getting the spacing right for your cherry tomato plants from the beginning sets the stage for a much easier and more productive growing season. With adequate room to breathe, access to sunlight, and less competition, your plants will reward you with a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy tomatoes all summer long. Take the time to measure and plan before you plant—your future self will thank you come harvest time.