Black Cherry Toms in Containers?

[Des_WA]

My husband badgered me into starting some container-friendly seeds in mid-January. Unfortunately, at the time I didn't realize Black Cherry tomato plants got as huge as a standard indeterminate, and now we have 5 very happy healthy seedlings growing like weeds and not a clue where we're going to put them. Planting outside is not an option, my garden is (over)full and by the time tomato planting is too distant still.

I've seen a few posts here and there hinting at successfully growing indeterminates in containers - what size works for you? I'm guessing 5 gallon is too small for most situations, but 15 gal? 20?

Thanks!

[DeborahL]

I grow indeterminates in those huge plastic tubs with rope handles - Walmart has them for about $5.

[aliall1]

I used to try growing them in 5 gal when I lived in AZ. I got a few fruit, but they clearly would have been happier in bigger containers.

[Des_WA]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll try one of those big tubs or a 15-20 gal container, whichever I find cheaper.

[gixxerific]

I had a bunch of Black Cherry in 10 gal containers last year they did good but would be better in ground.

[img]https://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj185/gixxerific/Gardening/DSC03642.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj185/gixxerific/Gardening/DSC03652.jpg[/img]

They would have been better in the soil I actually mixed up my seeds and put them in containers on accident.

[Des_WA]

I'm sure they'd to better in soil; I'm just flat out of room in the garden this year... Big oops on my part for not knowing they weren't a bush type!

[gixxerific]

They will do alright in pots. I had quite a few toms off of my potted ones.

I messed up big time too. I wanted them all in ground myself but mixed my naming somehow.

They are awesome either way though so don't fret too bad.

[SarahSarah]

My black cherries had an AWFUL germination rate. Out of 8 seeds, only 2 came up. I just hope these two survive until I can get them in the ground. I've got plenty of other toms, but cherry toms are my FAVORITES!

[Des_WA]

Well I got those big round 20-gallon tubs with the rope handles for each of the plants - 5 total! I hope I can still lug these around when they're full of dirt...

I'm going to up-pot them this weekend I think, but I have to figure out how to keep them well-lit. It's a bit too cold outside still to have them out during the day and my seedling table has 3 sets of shoplights suspended above it but they won't shine much outside the table. Still pondering that one, I may just have to bite the bullet and buy more lights...

[Iradel]

So how did the containers work for you? My yard is too shaded. I have to plant everything in containers. I thought I would try these.

[imafan26]

I grow my tomatoes in the rope handle buckets too. They are about 18 gallons. I have grown Black Cherry tomatoes in them. Black cherry is an indeterminate, and the flavor is good. It is not a very productive plant so you won't get as much poundage as sweet millions.