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Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program

Favorita Cherry Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

Jemima Kamba, Undergraduate Research Assistant

Adekunle Adeyeye, Graduate Research Assistant

Cora Teets, Research & Extension Associate

Theoneste Nzaramyimana, PhD, Assistant Professor for Urban Agriculture

MarieMerci Uwimbabazi, Graduate Research Assistant

Introduction & Background

• Favorita cherry tomatoes are a popular cherry tomato variety known for their sweet flavor, vibrant red color, and high productivity.
• They are widely favored for fresh consumption and culinary uses, such as salads and garnishes.
• They can be grown using a wide variety of production systems including organic, greenhouse, high tunnel and field production.

Key Characteristics

• Fruit Size: Small, round cherry tomatoes, approximately 2-3 cm in diameter.
• Color: Deep red when fully ripe.
• Flavor: Sweet and juicy with a well-balanced acidity.
• Texture: Firm, yet tender skin that resists cracking

Growth Habits

• Plant Type: Indeterminate (continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the season).
• Vine Length: Can grow up to 2 meters or more
• Leaf Type: Regular leaf with dense foliage.

Cultivation Requirements

• Climate: Thrives in warm, subtropical to temperate climates.
• Temperature: Optimal growth at 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Light: Full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily).
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Watering: Consistent moisture but well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
• Fertilization: Balanced NPK fertilizer, with adjustments based on growth stage

Planting and Maintenance

• Propagation: Typically grown from seeds or seedlings.
• Spacing: 50-60 cm between plants and 80-100 cm between rows.
• Pruning: Regular pruning and removal of suckers to promote airflow and fruit development.
• Support: Requires staking or trellising due to indeterminate growth habit.

Urban Cultivation

Advantages of Cherry Tomatoes In Urban Settings

Favorita cherry tomatoes adaptability make them an excellent candidate for urban environments such as container gardening, rooftop gardens, and greenhouse cultivation.

Factors to Consider:

• Container Selection: Use pots or raised beds with at least 30 cm depth to allow proper root development.
• Soil Mix: A high-quality potting mix with organic matter enhances growth.
• Space Efficiency: Can be grown on balconies, rooftops, and community gardens using vertical planters, hanging baskets, or hydroponic systems.
• Pest Management: Urban environments may have limited pests, but regular monitoring and natural pest deterrents help maintain plant health.
• Support: Requires staking or trellising due to its indeterminate growth habit
• Harvest: Ensure to harvest cherries throughout growing season once ripened. Safely clean produce with water and keep at room temperature for ideal flavor

Yield and Harvest

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 60-70 days from transplanting.
• Harvesting: When fruits are fully red and firm. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production.
• Yield: High yielding with clusters of 10-15 fruits per truss.

Favorita tomatoes are well-suited for greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation due to their manageable size, high yield, and consistent quality.

Advantages:

• High productivity and continuous harvest due to indeterminate growth.
• Excellent flavor profile with high sugar content.
• Versatile culinary uses and high nutritional value.
• Adaptable to small-space gardening, making them ideal for urban environments.

Nutritional Value

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Vitamin C: 20 mg
• Lycopene: High antioxidant content

Culinary Uses

• Cooking: Sauces, roasting, and grilling.
• Fresh Consumption: Salads, snacks, and garnishes.
• Preservation: Can be dried or used in salsas and chutneys.

Sources

• Dorais, M., Ehret, D. L., & Papadopoulos, A. P. (2008). Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) health components: From the seed to the consumer. Phytochemistry Reviews, 7(2), 231-250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-007-9071-7
• Heuvelink, E. (2018). Tomatoes. CABI Publishing.
• Peet, M. M., & Welles, G. (2005). Greenhouse tomato production. In Horticultural Reviews (Vol. 31, pp. 157-234). https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470650882.ch4
• Resh, H. M. (2022). Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guide for Growers of All Levels. CRC Press.
• Rick, C. M. (1978). The tomato: A model for comparative study of species. Science, 199(4326), 591-600. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.199.4326.591

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