Micro Tom
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Open-pollinated cherry from USA. A research model organism that became a windowsill plant: full crop in five inches. Ready in about 75 days from transplant.
- Open-pollinated
- 75 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Micro dwarf
- Cherry-size fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Cherry <1 oz (5–10 g) · Round (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Plant height
- 5–8 in (13–20 cm) (estimated) Compact
- Spacing
- 10 × 12 in (25 × 30 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground · Container
- Container growing
- Balcony friendly min. 0 gal (3 L) pot (estimated)
- Skin
-
- Red
- Interior
-
- Red
Plant size and habit
Compact · Micro dwarf
5–8 in (13–20 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Micro Tom is a micro dwarf, bred for pots and windowsills; it stays very small and does not need staking. Expect a plant of 5–8 in (13–20 cm).
Flavor
“A research model organism that became a windowsill plant: full crop in five inches.”
Growing calendar
- Sow indoors
- Transplant out
- Harvest
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Snacking
- Container star
- Kid friendly
- Novelty color
Origin
Micro Tom was bred by Dr. J.W. Scott and Dr. B.K. Harbaugh at the University of Florida and billed as the world's smallest tomato variety. It is widely used as a model organism in plant research, because it completes a full life cycle in a few inches of space and a short season; gardeners adopted it afterwards for windowsills.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
| Shop | Offer | Price | Packet | Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Growers Supply Company | Seeds | $4.25Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Pack (20 seeds) | Check availability | Buy |
- BuyTomato Growers Supply CompanySeeds
Pack (20 seeds)
Check availability
$4.25Checked Sep 16, 2026
Links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices checked Sep 16, 2026; not live.
All photos
-
Micro Tom tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Micro Tom tomatoes -
Micro Tom tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Micro Tom tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Micro Tom tomatoes -
Micro Tom tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Micro Tom take to mature?
Micro Tom is ready in about 75 days from transplant.
Does Micro Tom need staking?
Micro Tom is a micro dwarf, bred for pots and windowsills; it stays very small and does not need staking. Expect a plant of 5–8 in (13–20 cm).
Can Micro Tom be grown in a container?
Yes — Micro Tom grows well in a container of at least 3 L (0 gal).
Is Micro Tom resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Micro Tom.
See also
Other cherry varieties people put next to this one.
Grows like this one
Micro dwarf, midseason, full sun. Same support, same calendar.
