How to Grow Scarlett Tomato

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Scarlett Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Scarlett'

vegetable

Scarlett is a determinate cherry tomato variety known for its bright red, small round fruits and compact growth habit. It produces abundant clusters of sweet, flavorful tomatoes ideal for fresh eating and container gardening. This early-maturing variety is popular for home gardeners seeking quick yields and ornamental appeal.

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Example Scarlett Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Scarlett Tomato
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Scarlett Tomato
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlett Tomato dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for optimal fruit production)

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Water: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week; water deeply at soil level to avoid foliage wetness and disease; reduce watering slightly once fruiting begins to concentrate sugars

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-75 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Seeds 0.25 inches deep; transplants buried to first true leaves to promote stronger root systems

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; grow as annual or warm-season crop in cooler zones

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and pale green

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light (grow lights 3-4 inches above seedlings); maintain 70-75°F temperatures; thin crowded seedlings

Vegetative

3-4 weeks (from seedling to transplant readiness)

Strong growth with multiple branching stems; 8-12 inches tall at transplanting; deep green foliage developing

Gradually harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before planting outdoors; transplant after last frost; pinch suckers on determinate varieties if desired; apply mulch around base

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small yellow flowers appear in clusters; plant 12-24 inches tall; dense branching pattern typical of determinate types

Maintain consistent watering during flowering; provide tomato cage or light support; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; monitor for early blight and other fungal diseases

Fruiting

3-4 weeks

Cherry-sized fruits developing in clusters; initially green, gradually turning bright red; plant may produce hundreds of fruits

Continue consistent watering; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; prune excessive foliage only to improve air circulation; watch for pests and diseases; provide sturdy support as fruit load increases

Harvest

4-8 weeks (season-dependent)

Fully red, glossy cherry tomatoes ready for picking; fruits easily detach from vine when ripe

Harvest daily once fruits fully ripen; pick in morning for best flavor; continue harvesting as new flowers set fruit; expect continuous production until frost

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Carrot Onion Marigold Nasturtium Borage Chives

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Dill Walnut trees

Common Pests

Hand-pick larvae; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitoid wasps; inspect plants weekly
Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; reflective mulch; encourage beneficial insects
Spray with strong water; use miticides or neem oil; increase humidity; remove infested leaves
Spray with insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs; reflective mulch barriers
Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper or sulfur fungicides; mulch to prevent soil splash

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

Scarlett cherry tomatoes are perfect for fresh snacking, salads, and garnishes. Their small size, natural sweetness, and juicy texture make them ideal for eating straight from the plant or adding to pasta, pizza, and appetizers. [source]

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Preserving and roasting

Culinary

These tomatoes are excellent for roasting whole, making tomato sauce, or preserving through canning and freezing. Their high sugar content concentrates during cooking, creating rich, flavorful preparations. [source]

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Container and ornamental gardening

Household

The compact, determinate growth habit and prolific cherry fruit production make Scarlett attractive for containers on patios, balconies, and small spaces. The abundant red fruits provide both aesthetic appeal and fresh produce. [source]

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Nutritional and antioxidant benefits

Medicinal

Scarlett tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamins C and K, and potassium, supporting heart health and disease prevention. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Tomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and enhancing overall garden ecosystem health while improving fruit set. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest Scarlett tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to touch; pick daily at peak ripeness for best flavor; tomatoes continue to ripen after picking if necessary; harvest before first frost by picking green tomatoes and ripening indoors (60-70°F for 5-10 days); determinate varieties produce most fruit within a concentrated 3-4 week window

Fun Facts

🌱 Scarlett is a determinate ('bush') tomato variety, meaning it grows to a fixed size and produces most of its fruit within a concentrated window, making it ideal for canning and preserving.
🌱 Cherry tomatoes like Scarlett actually contain more lycopene per gram than larger beefsteak varieties, making them nutritionally dense despite their small size.
🌱 Tomatoes are technically fruits (berries) botanically, but the 1893 U.S. Supreme Court ruling tariff case 'Nix v. Hedden' classified them as vegetables for culinary and commercial purposes.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Sucker Transplant True Leaves

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