How to Grow Isle of Capri Tomato
Isle of Capri Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Isle of Capri'
vegetableIsle of Capri is a determinate cherry tomato variety known for its small, sweet, deep red fruits and compact growth habit. It produces abundantly throughout the season and is well-suited to container gardening and small spaces. This Italian heirloom variety is prized for its rich flavor and ornamental appeal.
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Example Isle of Capri Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Isle of Capri 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 Isle of Capri Tomato
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Isle of Capri Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown as annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) followed by first true leaves. Very delicate and light green.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (14-16 hours) to prevent leggy growth. Maintain 70-75°F. Thin to strongest seedling per cell.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks indoors; 2-3 weeks after transplantingPlant develops multiple true leaves and stems; bushy growth pattern becomes evident. Plant is sturdy and dark green.
Harden off transplants by exposing to outdoor conditions gradually over 7-10 days before planting. Fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer at half strength. Maintain adequate spacing for air circulation.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters. Plant continues compact, determinate growth. Flowers are tiny and delicate.
Ensure consistent watering and adequate calcium (add crushed eggshells or calcium supplement to prevent blossom end rot). Maintain full sun exposure. Pollinate flowers by gently shaking plant midday. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent all-leaf growth.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksGreen cherry-sized fruits develop and enlarge. Plant remains compact and bushy, weighted down by fruit clusters.
Support branches with stakes or cages if needed. Water consistently to prevent cracking. Reduce nitrogen; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Remove any yellow lower leaves for air circulation. Monitor for pests closely.
Harvest
4-8 weeks, continuous until frostFruits ripen to deep red color, becoming sweet and fully flavored. Plant continues producing until frost.
Pick fruits when fully red and slightly soft. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Cut fruit with scissors rather than pulling. Cool harvested fruit to room temperature to develop full flavor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); prune affected foliage
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Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; yellow sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects; neem oil
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Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper or sulfur fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected plants; ensure excellent drainage and air flow; apply copper fungicide preventatively; space plants widely
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Spray with strong water jet; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested foliage
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryIsle of Capri cherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, perfect for eating fresh off the vine or adding whole to salads. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking and entertaining. [source]
Cooking & Sauces
CulinaryThese tomatoes can be used in cooked dishes, pasta sauces, and salsas. Their concentrated sweetness develops even more when cooked, creating rich, flavorful sauces. [source]
Container & Ornamental Growing
HouseholdThe compact determinate growth and abundant fruiting make Isle of Capri ideal for patios, balconies, and container gardens. The productive plants provide both culinary and visual interest. [source]
Preservation
CulinarySmall cherry tomatoes can be preserved through canning, making infused oils, or sun-drying. Their natural sugar content makes them excellent for concentrated condiments. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting broader garden ecosystem health and fruit set. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully red, usually 65-75 days after transplanting. Gently twist and cut fruit from stem with scissors to avoid damaging branches. Harvest regularly to promote continued blooming and production. Fruits ripen gradually over 2-3 weeks from green to red. For storage, keep at room temperature (not refrigerated) to preserve flavor. Can pick slightly underripe fruit and let ripen indoors if frost threatens.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Isle of Capri is named after the famous Italian island, reflecting its Italian heirloom heritage and the Mediterranean flavor profile of its fruits.
- 🌱 This variety's determinate growth habit means it sets all its fruits within a concentrated period, making it excellent for succession planting and preserving.
- 🌱 Cherry tomatoes have higher sugar content by weight than full-sized slicing tomatoes, making them sweeter and more intensely flavored despite their small size.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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