Knowing when to pick black cherry tomatoes is the key to enjoying their full, rich flavor. Get the timing right, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness that makes these varieties so special.
This guide gives you clear, simple signs to look for so you never miss the ideal harvest moment. We’ll cover everything from color and feel to the best time of day for picking.
When to Pick Black Cherry Tomatoes
Unlike red tomatoes that shout “pick me!” with a bright color, black cherry tomatoes offer more subtle clues. Their unique beauty requires a slightly different approach. The main thing to remember is that “black” is often a general term for deep hues like purple-brown, mahogany, or indigo.
The Top Signs of Perfect Ripeness
Use a combination of these indicators for the best results. Relying on just one can sometimes lead you astray.
- Color Shift: The fruit will turn from green to a reddish or bronze base color first. Then, it develops it’s darker shoulders, which eventually spread over most of the tomato. A perfectly ripe one will be a deep, uniform purplish-brown or chestnut color without any green left on the bottom.
- The Feel Test: Gently squeeze the tomato. A ripe black cherry tomato will have a slight give, similar to a firm avocado. It should not be hard as a rock, nor should it feel mushy or soft. The skin will be taught but not tight.
- Ease of Picking: A truly ripe tomato will detach from the vine with almost no effort. Give it a gentle upward twist; if it comes off easily in your hand, it’s ready. If you’re tugging and pulling, it needs more time on the plant.
What About Firmness?
Some new gardeners expect a ripe tomato to be very soft. This is a common mistake. Black cherry tomatoes, even when perfectly ripe, often remain more firm than their red counterparts. Don’t wait for them to get super soft on the vine, or you risk them splitting or becoming overripe.
Avoiding Common Harvest Mistakes
Two big errors can cost you your crop. First, picking too early because the color looks dark enough. If the bottom is still green, the flavors haven’t fully developed. Second, leaving them on too long because they still feel firm. This leads to fruit split or a mealy texture.
Weather plays a role too. After a heavy rain, tomatoes absorb water quickly and can split. It’s a good idea to pick any that are very close to ripe just before a big storm.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
For the best quality and storage life, always pick your tomatoes in the morning. The temperatures are cooler, and the plants are still hydrated from the night. This means the fruit is firm and less stressed.
Avoid picking in the heat of the afternoon. Tomatoes picked then are often warm, soft, and more prone to bruising. If you must pick later, try to do it in the evening as things cool down.
The Ripening Process Off the Vine
What if you need to pick some early because of frost or pests? Black cherry tomatoes will continue to ripen off the vine. Place them in a single layer on a counter out of direct sunlight.
To speed things up, put them in a paper bag with a banana. The ethylene gas the banana gives off acts as a ripening agent. Check them daily so they don’t go past they’re peak.
- Pick the pale or partially colored tomatoes gently.
- Wipe them clean if they’re any dirt.
- Place them stem-side down on a towel or in a shallow box.
- Keep them at room temperature and check for ripeness daily.
Storing Your Harvest
Never, ever store perfect ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator. The cold damages their texture and kills that wonderful flavor. Instead, keep them at room temperature and enjoy them within a few days.
If you have a huge harvest you can’t eat fast enough, consider preserving them. They are excellent for roasting, making into sauces, or slow-drying. You can also freeze them whole for use in cooked dishes later.
Troubleshooting: Splits, Cracks, and Pests
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, tomatoes crack. This is usually from uneven watering—a dry period followed by a lot of water. While these tomatoes are still edible, pick and use them immediately as the crack is an entry point for mold.
If you see peck marks from birds or signs of insects, it’s better to pick the affected tomato early and let it finish ripening indoors. This often saves the rest of the fruit from attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when black cherry tomatoes are ripe?
Look for a deep, even dark color with no green, a slight give when gently squeezed, and easy separation from the vine with a simple twist.
What color are black cherry tomatoes when ripe?
They range from a dusky purple-brown to a rich mahogany, often with subtle green or red undertones showing through near the stem. The key is the absense of shiny green.
Should you pick black tomatoes when they are soft?
Not necessarily. They should have a slight softness but remain fairly firm. If they are very soft, they are likely overripe and may be mealy inside.
Can you ripen black cherry tomatoes indoors?
Yes, absolutely. Place them in a single layer out of the sun. They will continue to ripen over several days, developing their full sweetness.
Why are my black cherry tomatoes not turning black?
Extreme heat can sometimes inhibit full color development. Also, ensure they are getting enough sunlight. Some varieties simply have a lighter, more reddish-brown hue when fully ripe. Check the seed packet for the expected color.
Mastering the art of picking black cherry tomatoes takes a little practice. But once you know the signs—that deep, uniform color, the gentle firmness, and the easy twist from the vine—you’ll harvest them at they’re absolute peak every time. The reward is a complex, sweet, and tangy flavor that makes all your gardening effort worth it.