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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

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## 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.

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## Urban Cultivation

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

## Advantages of Cherry Tomatoes In Urban Settings

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.

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## Yield and Harvest

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• 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.

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## Nutritional Value

• Calories: 18 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 3.9 g

• Fiber: 1.2 g

• Vitamin C: 20 mg

• Lycopene: High antioxidant content

## Culinary Uses

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• 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