Cherry tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners for their bite-sized sweetness, abundant yields, and vibrant colors. These tiny gems are also some of the fastest-growing tomato varieties, producing ripe, juicy fruits in as little as 50 to 70 days from transplanting. Whether you’re growing in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets, these cherry tomato varieties will quickly reward you with delicious, sun-ripened treats perfect for salads, snacking, and cooking. Here’s a list of nine of the fastest-growing cherry tomato varieties to brighten up your garden this season.
1. Sweet 100
The Sweet 100 Cherry Tomato is a classic favorite known for its rapid growth and impressive productivity. It typically ripens within 65 to 70 days of transplanting, producing clusters of small, round, bright red fruits. True to its name, Sweet 100 delivers incredibly sweet, juicy tomatoes that are perfect for salads or snacking straight off the vine. The indeterminate vines can grow up to 8 feet tall, so they’ll need sturdy support. Consistent watering and full sun ensure bountiful harvests all summer long.
2. Sun Gold
Renowned for their rich, tropical-like sweetness, Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes are among the fastest-maturing varieties available. These bright orange fruits are typically ready for harvest in just 57 to 65 days. The vines grow vigorously, often reaching 6 to 8 feet in height. Sun Gold tomatoes offer an intensely fruity, candy-like flavor that makes them irresistible fresh off the plant. They’re also highly disease-resistant and thrive in full sun with regular watering and well-drained soil.
3. Tiny Tim
Perfect for container gardens and small spaces, Tiny Tim Cherry Tomatoes are a dwarf, bush-type variety that matures in only 50 to 60 days. These compact plants grow just 12 to 18 inches tall, making them ideal for patios, balconies, and indoor gardening. Despite their small size, they produce abundant clusters of bright red, tangy-sweet tomatoes. Tiny Tim plants require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners or gardeners with limited space.
4. Black Cherry
For something a little different, the Black Cherry Tomato offers deep, dusky purple-red fruits with a rich, complex flavor. This heirloom variety matures in about 64 to 70 days and grows on indeterminate vines that can reach 6 to 8 feet tall. Black Cherry tomatoes are prized for their smoky, wine-like flavor, making them a unique addition to fresh salads, salsas, and antipasto platters. Plant them in full sun, provide sturdy staking, and enjoy generous harvests throughout the season.
5. Chadwick Cherry
The Chadwick Cherry Tomato is an heirloom variety celebrated for its large, flavorful cherry tomatoes and fast growth. It typically produces ripe fruit in 65 to 70 days after transplanting. The fruits are slightly larger than most cherry tomatoes, with a rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor. Indeterminate vines can grow up to 8 feet, requiring cages or trellises for support. Chadwick Cherry is known for its vigorous growth, abundant harvests, and excellent disease resistance in home gardens.
6. Yellow Pear
The charming Yellow Pear Cherry Tomato is a fast-maturing variety that ripens in 70 days or less. It produces small, pear-shaped, sunny yellow tomatoes with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This indeterminate variety grows vigorously, reaching 6 to 8 feet tall with proper support. Yellow Pear tomatoes are perfect for adding color and variety to salads and appetizer trays. They’re easy to grow, highly productive, and thrive in warm, sunny spots with rich, well-drained soil.
7. Gardener’s Delight
As the name suggests, Gardener’s Delight Cherry Tomatoes are a joy to grow. This early-yielding, highly productive variety matures in 65 days and produces clusters of small, red, sweet, and tangy tomatoes. The indeterminate vines grow quickly, often climbing up to 6 feet or more, so they’ll need a sturdy trellis. Gardener’s Delight thrives in warm, sunny locations and rewards with continuous harvests from early summer through fall. They’re ideal for salads, pasta dishes, and fresh garden snacks.
8. Isis Candy Cherry
The Isis Candy Cherry Tomato is a unique, bicolor variety known for its marbled red and golden-yellow fruits. It matures in 65 to 70 days, producing clusters of round, candy-sweet tomatoes with a rich, fruity flavor. The indeterminate plants grow up to 6 feet tall and offer consistent yields throughout the growing season. Isis Candy tomatoes add beautiful color and exceptional flavor to salads, salsas, and crudité platters. Full sun, regular watering, and occasional fertilizing ensure a plentiful harvest.
9. Washington Cherry
Developed for cool climates and early harvests, the Washington Cherry Tomato matures in just 60 to 65 days. It’s a determinate, bush-type plant that stays compact at 2 to 3 feet tall, making it perfect for patio pots and small gardens. The bright red, round tomatoes are mildly sweet, juicy, and perfect for salads or roasting. Washington Cherry plants are disease-resistant, tolerant of cooler temperatures, and produce generous yields in a short amount of time.
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing cherry tomatoes are perfect for gardeners eager to enjoy the taste of summer without a long wait. Whether you prefer the bold sweetness of Sun Gold, the compact convenience of Tiny Tim, or the rich, complex flavor of Black Cherry, these quick-yielding varieties promise fresh, homegrown goodness in just a couple of months. Plant them in sunny, fertile soil, keep them well-watered, and you’ll be savoring garden-fresh tomatoes all season long.
Pro Tip: For continuous harvests, plant multiple varieties with staggered maturity dates to keep your garden productive from early summer to fall.
