The Micro Tom Tomato

There’s nothing like a plump, ripe, and juicy red tomato like the Micro Tom Tomato! This variety will fit perfectly in your planter due to its tiny size and minimal growing needs. This year when researching what to plant, give these a try!

In this article, let’s explore what makes Micro Tom Tomatoes stand out from the other available varieties out there.

History of Micro Tom Tomatoes

The history of these tomatoes begins with their creation in Mexico by the Spanish Explorers who took different varieties to Europe in the 1600s. Interestingly enough they were thought to be poisonous.

Digging into this variety, these distinct plants were first created by the findings of The University of Florida in 1989 and invented by Dr. J.W. Scott and Dr. B.K. Harbaugh. They were developed for ornamental purposes only.

Characteristics Of Micro Tom Tomatoes

This bush variety is determinate, meaning that it flowers and produces all at once, as well as holds a self-pruning gene. These plants will produce a couple of dozen tomatoes holding a deep red color and bold taste. These tomatoes are F1 hybrids commercially bred for productivity and disease resistance. They will only reach 4-6 inches tall as a mature plant.

Ripening Season

From start to finish, Micro Tom Tomatoes will take 90-120 days to grow, produce, and ripen. These tomatoes do best if planted in the Spring so they grow to maturity.

Tomato Qualities

This variety is the size of a penny and is small, firm, and a sphere-like shape. When it’s fully ripened it will be deep red in color, and rich in flavor. It thrives best in full sunlight and will require a stricter watering schedule than most plants.

Tomato Size

This gumdrop-sized variety is only going to grow about 1-3 inches in length and weighs about an ounce.

Planting Zones

Grow Micro Tom Tomatoes all year round as they won’t need a specific planting zone! Planting in the spring to summer season time frame will help their maturity growth.

Size and Spacing

Because of Micro Tom Tomatoes’ tiny size, it will only require 12-24 inches of growing space in a garden setting. The best spot recommended for these tiny plants is a medium-sized pot with access to full sunlight.

Pollination

Micro Tom Tomato plants are self-pollinating and will produce without the help of insects and animals that naturally assist with the pollination process. If you choose, you can use a natural fertilizer when you first plant to help them get jump-started.

Plant Care

The following sections will provide highlights about tomato care. For a complete guide on optimal tomato plant care, from planting to harvesting and storage, please check out our article on How To Grow Tomatoes: The Complete Guide For the Best Tomatoes.

Sunlight

Even though these Micro Tom Tomato plants grow in most zones, they will grow their best exposed to 6-8 hours of full sunlight a day.

Soil

Micro Tom Tomatoes grow best in good quality well-drained soil. Placing small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of your pot will achieve appropriate drainage.

Water

Water your Micro Tom Tomato plant every 2-3 days. Always water at the roots and never on the leaves, as this can damage and cause rot to your plant.

Stick your finger into the soil. if your soil is dry to the touch, add water. If your soil is still wet then wait a day or so. Not providing proper drainage will lead to root rot, so never skip this step when planting.

Fertilizer

Tomatoes require specific nutrients (such as calcium) to produce their best crops of fruit. To learn how to determine what your tomatoes need and when they need it, consult our ultimate tomato fertilizer guide.

Pruning/Pinching

Micro Tom Tomatoes are a hybrid bush variety and will not require pruning! You can remove suckers where the fruit was picked, but never overdo it as it would affect production.

Disease

Micro Tom Tomatoes can develop blossom end rot due to unbalanced calcium, and root rot due to overwatering. For disease prevention, use young, healthy transplants. Fungicides could reduce certain diseases when properly applied.

To learn how to detect, treat, and take steps to prevent diseases, read our tomato diseases guide.

Pests

Tomato hornworms are a common pest that snack on the leaves and fruits of tomato plants and cause significant damage but can be controlled.

For information to help you spot, eliminate, and deter 15 different pests, visit our guide on common tomato pests.

When to Harvest Micro Tom Tomatoes

The best time to harvest your Micro Tom tomatoes is when they become firm, round in shape, and red in color.

Since you will likely be growing your tomatoes inside, frost wouldn’t be an issue. With outside plants, you’ll need to watch for frost advisories to avoid killing your plant.

Micro Tom Tomatoes don’t like the extreme heat, over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can pick off your fruit early and simply place them in a mason jar on your window sill or in a brown paper bag for additional ripening.

Shelf Life

Micro Tom Tomatoes have a shelf life of 5-7 days. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a longer life span, however, this can dull their taste.

If you notice the skin is wrinkled, tender to the touch, developed splits, leaking juices, or developed mold, your tomatoes have spoiled.

Common Uses for Micro Tom Tomatoes

This variety is small, but this can be very beneficial! You can watch them grow potted from your window sill, in your fairy garden, or as a decoration on your back porch.

They will also double for a quick nutritious snack or a useful addition to your garden salads.

What Does A Micro Tom Tomato Taste Like?

When fully ripe Micro Tom Tomatoes will have a sharp, bold, fruity taste. These tomatoes start green, change to a yellow-orange, and finally to bright red which is when they will taste the very best!

Cooking

Suggested uses could be a light addition to stir fry, chili, salad, or even to spruce up your favorite pasta sauces.

Eating Raw

It’s very simple to walk by, pick a few Micro Tom Tomatoes, wash and enjoy. These tomatoes are an easy choice as they don’t require prep to enjoy and could promote a healthier lifestyle!

Canning/ Freezing/ Drying

Micro Tom Tomatoes are small, so invest in smaller-sized mason jars and follow the typical route for canning tomatoes.

If you choose to freeze your tomatoes, you will lose some of the rich taste, so I would recommend using them for cooking after they are defrosted. You could also dehydrate these to preserve for later use.

Recipe Ideas

A few recipes that could be fun and tasty to try are:

Small-Batch Basil and Cherry Tomato Freezer Jam

Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Angel Hair

Health Benefits of Micro Tom Tomatoes

Micro Tom Tomatoes are packed with a substance called lycopene. This gives them the red color and protects them from the ultraviolet sun rays.

Tomatoes are a healthy option as they are known to keep away cell damage. Tomatoes are also crammed with potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin E.

Where To Buy Micro Tom Tomato Plants or Seeds

You can order Micro Tom tomato seeds online at Amazon. You will want to order these in late winter or early spring and start your plants in an old cardboard egg carton before transplanting them in a pot.

Where To Buy Micro Tom Tomato Plants and Fruit

If you’re hoping to find starter plants, check your local home improvement store, garden center, or your county farmer’s market. Health Food stores and farmer’s markets are likely to carry ripe, ready-to-eat Micro Tom tomatoes.

Wrapping Up The Micro Tom Tomato

As you can see, Micro Tom Tomatoes can be enjoyed in various ways such as enjoying raw, using them in your recipes, canning, freezing, and dehydrating them for later. You can grow this useful variety in containers, in your fairy garden, or on your patio as a decoration so I hope that you will give this tomato variety a try!

Have you grown your own Micro Tom Tomato plants? If so, we’d love to hear your experiences in the comments section below!

Excited for more tomato content? Then visit our tomato page for growing tips, comprehensive guides, and tasty recipes!