Organic 'Cherry Ember' Tomato
Organic 'Cherry Ember' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a flamboyant, sweet, metallic cherry with a heart, ideal for drying
The 'Cherry Ember' tomato is a spectacular modern variety, developed by Phil Griffiths of Cornell University , renowned for its heart-shaped fruit , meaty flesh , firm and surprisingly thick skin , and exceptional resistance to cracking . Indeterminate and highly productive, it yields small, red cherry tomatoes adorned with metallic gold stripes that literally sparkle in the sunlight. Their flavor is sweet, rich, and juicy, with a fruity depth that makes them irresistible as a snack, in salads, or as a side dish.
Thanks to its low moisture content , 'Cherry Ember' is also a favorite variety for drying , producing concentrated, sweet, and aromatic petals, perfect for antipasti, homemade oils, or gourmet garnishes. A tomato of beauty as well as performance.
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 : Undetermined, productive
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Cherry center, metallic gold stripes, low moisture content, ideal for drying
Fruit color : Red with metallic gold stripes
Fruit shape : Rounded core
Fruit size/weight : Small
Fruit type : Heart-shaped cherry
Texture/flesh : Meaty, juicy, sweet, thick skin, low moisture
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days . During hardening off, reduce water and nitrogen to encourage vigorous seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36") apart, leaving 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3) , and sturdy staking to support the numerous grape clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a deep red streaked with gold. To get a head start, pick the fruit showing its first signs of color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store at 12–21°C , under 95% relative humidity , to maintain its fleshy texture.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for drying , producing sweet and concentrated petals
• Delicious in salads , sweet and decorative
• Ideal as a snack , thanks to its firm and juicy flesh
• Excellent for creative dishes , pizzas, pasta and antipasti
The 'Cherry Ember' tomato is a dazzling little gem: beautiful, sweet, meaty, hardy, and perfect for drying. A modern marvel for gardeners and gourmets alike.
