Organic 'Cheeseman' Tomato
Organic 'Cheeseman' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a small, early-maturing grape tomato that is juicy, sweet, and incredibly productive.
The 'Cheeseman' tomato is a determinate, grape-type variety, selected for its quick, abundant, and flavorful harvests. Just 60 days after transplanting , it produces a multitude of small , red-orange, teardrop-shaped fruits, sometimes tinged with yellow. Their taste is sweet, juicy, and refreshing—perfect for snacking straight from the garden, summer salads, cold pasta, or miniature tomato platters.
Slightly smaller than a classic cherry tomato, they store well, resist cracking, and are particularly easy to harvest. Thanks to its determined, compact yet generous growth habit, 'Cheeseman' is ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable, early, and fully flavorful variety.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/carrying habit : Determinate, compact, and very productive
Plant height : 120 to 150 cm (4–5')
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very early (60 days), ideal for snacking, small but abundant fruit
Fruit color : Red-orange with yellow highlights
Fruit shape : Teardrop (grape type)
Fruit size/weight : Very small
Fruit type : Grape / mini-cherry
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, refreshing
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in light potting soil and maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5–10 days . During the hardening-off period, reduce watering and nitrogen to encourage compact, strong seedlings.
Transplant when there is no longer a risk of frost. Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18") apart, with 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun and regular watering (level 3) . Staking is optional but recommended to support heavy growth.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit shows its bright orange-red color . To get an early start, pick those that have already begun to show an orange hue , then let them ripen at 22°C or higher outside the vineyard. Store between 12–21°C , at 95% relative humidity , to preserve their freshness.
Usage ideas
• Ideal as a snack , sweet, juicy and addictive
• Perfect in colorful salads or pasta salads
• Great for pizza toppings , antipasti, or lunches
• Excellent for dehydration , producing sweet nuggets
The 'Cheeseman' tomato is a cheerful, early and generous variety: perfect for gardeners who love small, sweet tomatoes that are easy to harvest and delicious to eat.
