How to Grow Wee Bee Tomato
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Wee Bee Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Wee Bee'
vegetableWee Bee is a compact, determinate cherry tomato variety bred for container growing and small spaces. It produces abundant clusters of sweet, bite-sized red fruits on a bushy plant that typically reaches 12-18 inches tall. This prolific variety is ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
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Example Wee Bee Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wee Bee Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Wee Bee Tomato
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wee Bee Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-10; can be grown as annual in zones 3-4
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves emerging; very delicate with thin stems
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and multiple branch points; compact bushy form becoming apparent
Harden off gradually before transplanting. Plant outdoors after last frost. Water consistently. Support with small stakes or cages early. Pinch out excessive side shoots if desired, but minimal pruning is recommended for Wee Bee.
Flowering
2-3 weeksClusters of small yellow flowers appear along stems and branch tips; very prolific flowering
Ensure consistent watering and feeding with balanced fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote foliage over fruit. Pollinate manually by gently shaking flowers in morning if growing indoors.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksMarble-sized green fruits form and gradually enlarge; clusters of ripening fruits turn red over time
Maintain steady moisture to prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Feed with tomato fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Thin fruit clusters slightly if desired for larger individual fruits. Support branches if fruit load becomes heavy.
Harvest
6-8 weeks (or until frost)Bright red, fully ripe cherry tomatoes ready for picking; continuous production throughout season
Harvest ripe fruits every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Pick in morning when cool for best flavor. Dead-head spent flowers to maintain vigor. Continue regular watering and feeding.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or horticultural oil; vacuum adults from leaves in morning
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Hand-pick immediately; encourage parasitic wasps; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if needed
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Increase humidity; spray water on foliage; use neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper or sulfur fungicides
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Maintain consistent moisture; add calcium (crushed eggshells, lime); improve soil drainage
Uses
Fresh eating and snacking
CulinaryWee Bee cherry tomatoes are perfectly sized for popping whole into your mouth as a healthy snack. Their naturally sweet flavor and tender skin make them ideal for fresh consumption without preparation. [source]
Salads and garnishes
CulinaryHalve or quarter these tiny tomatoes for salads, or use whole as elegant garnishes on appetizers and plated dishes. Their visual appeal and consistent size make them a chef's favorite. [source]
Pasta and sauce
CulinaryWee Bee tomatoes can be roasted whole with olive oil and garlic, or cooked down into a delicate pasta sauce that preserves their bright, sweet flavor. [source]
Container gardening
HouseholdWee Bee was specifically bred for pots and containers, thriving on patios, balconies, and windowsills with minimal space requirements. A single plant in a 5-10 gallon pot produces abundant fruit. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant flowers of Wee Bee tomato plants attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting ecosystem health and fruit set. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully red and slightly soft to touch, typically 20-25 days after flowering. Tomatoes ripening on the vine have superior flavor. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season to encourage continuous production. Wee Bee will produce prolifically from midsummer until frost. Fruits can be picked slightly pink and ripened on the counter if needed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wee Bee was specifically bred and named for its compact, bee-like size and ability to thrive in small spaces—the name playfully references both its diminutive stature and the bees that pollinate it.
- 🌱 A single healthy Wee Bee plant can produce 200+ cherry tomatoes in a season, making it one of the most prolific tomato varieties for home gardeners despite its tiny size.
- 🌱 Unlike many dwarf varieties, Wee Bee doesn't require significant pruning or staking, making it exceptionally low-maintenance while still delivering impressive yields.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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