Unicorn Tomato

Annual                                                                                                                    24-36 wide

Full-sun                                                                                                                      4-8 ft tall

Unicorn Hybrid Red Cherry Tomato plant

The Unicorn Hybrid is a standout indeterminate cherry tomato variety, prized for its exceptional flavor and reliability. This hybrid produces medium to large, deep red cherry tomatoes averaging about ½ oz (around 1 inch in diameter), borne in long trusses on vigorous plants that can reach 6 feet or taller. The fruits are firm, uniform, crack-resistant, and boast an outstanding sweet flavor with a perfect sugar-acid balance—often described as packing big tomato taste into a bite-sized snack. Ideal for fresh eating, snacking straight off the vine, salads, or garnishes, Unicorn is highly productive with heavy yields and good field-holding ability. It features a strong disease resistance package, including tolerance to Fusarium wilt, leaf mold, Tobacco Mosaic Virus (ToMV), and intermediate resistance to root-knot nematodes. Bred especially for performance in the Eastern U.S., it's a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

1. Transplanting: Harden off seedlings and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C). Choose a site with full sun (6–8 hours minimum) and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
2. Spacing and Support: Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 4–5 feet apart. Since Unicorn is indeterminate, provide sturdy support with cages, stakes, or trellises early on to keep vines off the ground and improve air circulation.
3. Soil and Fertilizer: Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then switch to one higher in phosphorus and potassium once flowering begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent lush foliage at the expense of fruit.
4. Watering: Water consistently, aiming for 1–2 inches per week, preferably at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Care and Harvest: Prune suckers (side shoots) for better airflow if desired, though not strictly necessary. Fruits mature in approximately 50–76 days from transplant (variety descriptions vary slightly). Harvest when fully red for peak sweetness; regular picking encourages continued production.

With proper care, Unicorn Hybrid will reward you with abundant, delicious cherries throughout the summer and into fall!