Organic 'Chocolate Cherry' Tomato
Organic 'Chocolate Cherry' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a sweet, juicy, purple-brown cherry with tireless productivity.
The 'Chocolate Cherry' tomato is a heirloom variety prized for its deep, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor , typical of purple tomatoes. Indeterminate and extremely productive, it forms long clusters of small tomatoes , about 1 inch in diameter, with purple-brown skin and flesh reminiscent of dark chocolate. Its juicy texture and distinctive sweetness make it an irresistible cherry tomato, perfect for eating straight from the vine, in salads, or on heirloom tomato platters.
Early (70 days) and consistent, it produces continuously throughout the season. An easy-to-love, easy-to-grow variety, and one of the best dark cherries for both gardeners and market gardeners.
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 capacity : Undetermined, very productive
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Purple-brown cherry, rich and sweet flavor, continuous production
Fruit color : Purple/dark brown
Fruit shape : Small round (1")
Fruit size/weight : Very small
Fruit type : Purple cherry
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, slightly smoky
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Bury the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days . During the hardening-off period, reduce watering and nitrogen application to strengthen the seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24–36") apart, leaving 120 to 180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3) , and sturdy staking , as the plants produce abundantly.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has turned a uniform dark chocolate color . 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 preserve its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Perfect as a snack , sweet, deep and juicy
• Sublime in multicolored salads , bringing contrast and richness
• Excellent in trays of heirloom tomatoes , with its dark hues
• Delicious when cooked gently , where its smoky notes intensify
The 'Chocolate Cherry' tomato is a small, dark marvel: productive, flavorful, elegant, and irresistible. A must-have heirloom variety for all lovers of rich and complex cherry tomatoes.
