Cherry Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Grape Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Cherry Tomatoes vs Grape Tomatoes: Small Tomato Comparison for Containers
Comparing cherry and grape tomatoes for container growing. Learn the differences between these snacking tomato types.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🍅Cherry Tomato | 🍅Grape Tomato | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | moderate | easy | Tie |
| Days to Harvest | 65 days | 65 days | Tie |
| Container Size | 5 gallon pot | 5 gallon pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | full sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Higher | Lower | Cherry Tomato |
| Beginner-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Key Differences
Fruit Shape
Round to slightly oval. Classic tomato shape.
Oblong, grape-like. Elongated shape.
Skin Thickness
Thinner skin. More prone to splitting.
Thicker skin. More crack-resistant.
Juice Content
Juicier. Bursts when bitten.
Meatier, less juicy. Less messy to eat.
Shelf Life
Shorter shelf life. Best eaten within days.
Longer shelf life. Stores 1-2 weeks.
Splitting Resistance
More prone to cracking with inconsistent water.
Better resistance to cracking and splitting.
Flavor Profile
Very sweet, full tomato flavor. More variety available.
Sweet but slightly less intense. More uniform flavor.
Best for Cherry Tomato
Choose Cherry Tomato if:
- You prefer round, bite-sized tomatoes
- You want maximum juice and sweetness
- You enjoy variety in colors and sizes
- You make fresh salads and bruschetta
- You want classic snacking tomatoes
Best for Grape Tomato
Choose Grape Tomato if:
- You need crack-resistant tomatoes
- You want longer shelf life
- You prefer oblong shape for salads
- You have inconsistent watering
- You want tomatoes that ship well
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Cherry and grape tomatoes grow excellently together in adjacent containers or a very large shared container (20+ gallons). Both have similar care needs and mature at similar times. Plant with basil for pest deterrence.
The Bottom Line
Cherry Tomato
Choose cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juice, variety of colors and flavors, classic snacking experience, and if you harvest and eat immediately.
Grape Tomato
Choose grape tomatoes for crack resistance, longer shelf life, meatier texture, and if you have inconsistent watering or need tomatoes that last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato?
Both Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato are equally easy to grow in containers with similar care requirements.
Which grows faster: Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato?
Both Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato have similar maturity timelines, reaching harvest around the same time.
Can I grow Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato together?
Yes! Cherry and grape tomatoes grow excellently together in adjacent containers or a very large shared container (20+ gallons). Both have similar care needs and mature at similar times. Plant with basil for pest deterrence.
Which needs less space: Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato?
Both Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato?
Cherry Tomato typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato?
Both Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato are excellent choices for beginners with similar difficulty levels.
What are the main differences between Cherry Tomato and Grape Tomato?
The key differences include: fruit shape, skin thickness, juice content. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Cherry Tomato or Grape Tomato for my balcony?
Choose cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juice, variety of colors and flavors, classic snacking experience, and if you harvest and eat immediately. Choose grape tomatoes for crack resistance, longer shelf life, meatier texture, and if you have inconsistent watering or need tomatoes that last. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Cherry Tomato Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Cherry Tomato in containers.
Complete Grape Tomato Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Grape Tomato in containers.
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