How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes Indoors

By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated October 20, 2026 · How we choose products

A cherry tomato on the windowsill in January is a real treat, and it is possible with the right variety and a lot of light. Utah State University Extension says the most likely way for hobbyists to have homegrown tomatoes all year is to grow them in containers indoors (USU Extension). It is a more demanding project than herbs or greens. Tennessee Extension notes that leafy crops and herbs need less light than fruiting crops (UT Extension), and tomatoes need help with pollination indoors. Here is what the extension guides say about varieties, light, pots, watering and getting fruit to set.

Pick a small variety

Utah State says smaller tomato varieties are best suited for indoor growing, and these often grow only 1 to 2 feet around. It suggests Tiny Tim, Micro Tom, Terenzo or Lizzano (USU Extension). Iowa State adds that determinate and dwarf types tend to do better in containers because they are less likely to outgrow them (Iowa State Extension). One option we like is Patio Choice Yellow, which Botanical Interests describes as a determinate cherry tomato with half-ounce fruit, about 45 days from transplanting (Botanical Interests). If you'd like to try it, here are Patio Choice Yellow seeds from Botanical Interests.

Utah State is realistic about the harvest: a large, well-cared-for plant will likely produce more but needs more upkeep, while the smallest varieties are more of a novelty and may produce only enough for an occasional salad or sandwich (USU Extension).

Light: the hardest part

An Ask Extension expert from UNH says indoor tomato plants need 8 to 10 hours of direct natural light or 16 to 18 hours of artificial light (Ask Extension). Utah State suggests a bright south or west window that isn't drafty (USU Extension), and it grows tomatoes under cool-white fluorescent light, using compact fluorescent bulbs of at least 100-watt equivalent and keeping the tops of the plants within 3 to 6 inches of the bulbs (USU Extension). It also says expensive, specialized grow lights aren't necessary (USU Extension).

For a lights-only setup, Tennessee estimates that compact tomatoes need about 2,400 footcandles when lit 16 hours a day, compared with about 1,400 for Bibb lettuce (UT Extension). That is why we plan on a grow light for indoor tomatoes in most homes. Our winter grow lights guide covers fixtures that can be raised as the plant grows.

Pot and mix

Utah State says a 1-gallon pot is enough for the smallest varieties, and a 2- or 3-gallon pot for larger ones, adding that too large is better than too small (USU Extension). Iowa State gives each cherry tomato at least a 2-gallon pot, about 10 inches across (Iowa State Extension). Any container needs drainage holes (Iowa State Extension). Utah State uses a good peat-based potting soil for indoor plants and says never to use soil from the yard (USU Extension).

Watering and feeding

Utah State warns against overwatering and lets the soil dry out moderately between waterings (USU Extension). Iowa State adds the other side: never let the soil dry out completely, because that can make plants drop flowers and fruit (Iowa State Extension). Water until it reaches the bottom of the pot and drains out (Iowa State Extension). Iowa State also links inconsistent watering to fruit cracking and blossom end rot (Iowa State Extension), so a steady routine matters more than a fixed schedule.

For food, Utah State uses a balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the package (USU Extension). Iowa State recommends a soluble fertilizer every week or two for container tomatoes, which have less soil to draw nutrients from (Iowa State Extension).

Temperature

Utah State says temperatures below 50°F can harm tomatoes, and temperatures above 90°F may inhibit fruit set (USU Extension). Normal room temperatures sit comfortably between those, but a cold window at night can get close to the low end.

Helping flowers set fruit

Indoors there is no wind or insects to move pollen. The UNH expert says you will need to help pollination by shaking the plant or using an oscillating fan (Ask Extension), and another Ask Extension answer describes hand pollination as essentially just shaking the plants (Ask Extension, pollination). We give flowering stems a gentle tap or shake every day or so while the plant is in bloom.

Harvesting

Iowa State lets tomatoes ripen fully on the plant and picks when the whole fruit is an even color and slightly soft to the touch rather than hard (Iowa State Extension).

Pets: the plant is toxic, ripe fruit isn't

Common problems

Flowers but no fruit

Usually pollination or heat. Shake the plant daily while it flowers (Ask Extension), and keep it below 90°F (USU Extension).

Dark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit

That is blossom end rot, which Iowa State links to inconsistent watering (Iowa State Extension). Keep the soil evenly moist.

Tall, spindly plant

Not enough light (Ask Extension). Lower the light so the plant stays within 3 to 6 inches of it, as Utah State suggests (USU Extension).

For another fruiting plant on the sill, see growing peppers indoors. For a quicker crop, try lettuce, or find a guide by plant.

Sources

• Utah State University Extension: Growing tomatoes in winter (2015)
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Yard and Garden: Growing tomatoes in containers
• Ask Extension (UNH Cooperative Extension expert answer): Inside growing tomatoes, #915046 (2025)
• Ask Extension (expert answer): Pollinate indoor tomatoes, #782922 (2022)
• University of Tennessee Extension W 1288-B: Small-space indoor food production (PDF)
• Botanical Interests product page: Patio Choice Yellow bush cherry tomato seeds
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Tomato plant

All sources accessed October 20, 2026. This guide is about growing cherry tomatoes indoors.

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow cherry tomatoes indoors in winter?

Yes, with a small variety and plenty of light. Utah State University Extension suggests compact types such as Tiny Tim, Micro Tom, Terenzo or Lizzano, and says the smallest ones may produce only enough for an occasional salad.

How much light do indoor tomatoes need?

An Ask Extension expert says 8 to 10 hours of direct natural light or 16 to 18 hours of artificial light. Utah State keeps the tops of plants within 3 to 6 inches of the bulbs.

What size pot does an indoor cherry tomato need?

Utah State says 1 gallon is enough for the smallest varieties and 2 to 3 gallons for larger ones. Iowa State suggests at least 2 gallons, about 10 inches across, for a cherry tomato.

Do indoor tomatoes need to be pollinated?

Yes. Ask Extension experts suggest shaking the plant or using an oscillating fan while it flowers.

Are tomato plants toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of solanine, but notes that ripe fruit is non-toxic.