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Description
Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry, also known as Chocolate Cherry Tomato, is a delightful tomato variety that is highly sought after by tomato enthusiasts. This indeterminate tomato plant bears clusters of small, cherry-sized fruits that have a unique, rich, chocolatey flavor. The fruits have a dark red color and a juicy, firm texture that makes them perfect for snacking, salads, and garnishes.One of the main reasons why this tomato variety is so popular is that it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that offer numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry is a small, indeterminate tomato plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has a bushy, branching habit and produces clusters of small, cherry-sized fruits. The fruits have a uniform, dark red color and a glossy, smooth skin. They are round or slightly oblong in shape and have a diameter of about 1 inch.The flesh of the fruits is firm and juicy, with a rich, chocolatey flavor that is both sweet and tart. The fruits are ideal for snacking, salads, and garnishes, and they can be used fresh or cooked.
Care Guide
Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does require some care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this tomato variety:- Water: Tomatoes need consistent moisture to thrive, so make sure to water your plants regularly. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.- Fertilization: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to produce healthy fruits. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Tomatoes prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting, and avoid planting in soil that is too compact or sandy.- Sunlight: Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight to produce healthy fruits, so make sure to plant them in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry is a warm-season plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow this variety as an annual or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all tomato plants, Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plants and can cause stunted growth and wilted leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Tomato hornworms: These large green caterpillars can quickly defoliate a plant. Handpick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis to control them.- Fusarium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Rotate your crops and avoid planting in soil that has been infected.- Blossom end rot: This disorder is caused by a calcium deficiency and can cause the fruits to develop dark, sunken spots on the bottom. Make sure to water regularly and avoid over-fertilizing.
Habitat
Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry is native to South America but has been widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It prefers warm, sunny climates and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This tomato variety can be grown in a variety of settings, including backyard gardens, raised beds, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this tomato variety can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant and provide adequate drainage.
Q: How long does it take for Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry to mature?
A: This tomato variety typically takes 65-75 days to mature from seed.
Q: Does Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry require staking?
A: Yes, this tomato variety requires staking or caging to support the plant and prevent it from sprawling on the ground.
Q: Is Solanum Lycopersicum Chocolate Cherry resistant to any pests or diseases?
A: This tomato variety has some resistance to verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt, but it is not immune to these diseases.
Related Plants
– Solanum Lycopersicum ‘Black Cherry’- Solanum Lycopersicum ‘Yellow Pear’- Solanum Lycopersicum ‘Green Zebra’- Solanum Lycopersicum ‘Cherokee Purple’- Solanum Lycopersicum ‘Brandywine’
References
– Boning, C. R. (2006). Florida’s Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Pineapple Press Inc.- National Gardening Association. (n.d.). Chocolate Cherry Tomato.- University of Florida. (n.d.). Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide.
