Black cherry tomato plants are indeterminate growers, meaning they continue to grow until frost. Their mature height varies considerably depending on growing conditions and whether they are pruned or staked.
Height Range:
- Plantura.garden states that Black Cherry tomato plants can grow up to 250cm (approximately 8.2 feet) tall. https://plantura.garden/uk/vegetables/tomato-varieties/black-cherry-tomato
- Other sources report heights ranging from 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters). https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/tomato-organic-black-cherry
- Some gardeners have even reported plants reaching heights of over 10 feet (3 meters) or even 15 feet (4.6 meters), although this is likely with minimal pruning. https://www.thejoyblog.net/2015/09/in-my-garden-black-cherry-tomatoes.html https://sproutedgarden.com/black-cherry-tomatoes/ https://diggingfood.com/2018/04/16/black-cherry-tomatoes/
Factors Affecting Height:
Several factors influence the final height of a black cherry tomato plant:
- Pruning: Regular pruning and pinching back encourages bushier growth with more fruit production, potentially limiting the overall height.
- Staking or Caging: Providing support with stakes or cages helps manage the plant's growth and prevents it from sprawling uncontrollably.
- Sunlight and Growing Conditions: Ample sunlight and optimal growing conditions contribute to taller, more vigorous growth.
- Variety: While generally considered indeterminate, slight variations may exist between different seed sources or cultivars.
In summary, while a height of 5-7 feet is common, black cherry tomato plants can reach much greater heights under ideal conditions with less pruning and support.