Riesentraube Tomato

About This Plant

Riesentraube is a German heirloom cherry tomato whose name means "giant bunch of grapes" — and it lives up to it. The plants produce huge clusters of sweet, one-ounce red fruits with a rich flavor often compared to a beefsteak tomato.

This is an indeterminate variety, meaning it keeps growing and producing fruit all season long. Plants can reach 6 feet or taller, so plan on staking or caging them for support.

Starting Seeds

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow them about a quarter inch deep in moist seed-starting mix. A heat mat set to around 80°F speeds up germination, but a warm windowsill works too. Expect sprouts in 7-10 days.

Once the second set of leaves appears, transplant each seedling into its own pot and bury the stem up to the lowest leaves — tomatoes grow roots along buried stems, which makes for a sturdier plant.

Transplanting Outdoors

Wait until soil temperatures reach at least 70°F and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off your seedlings by setting them outside for a few hours each day during the week before transplanting.

Plant in full sun in rich soil, again burying the stem up to the lowest set of leaves. Space plants 24-36 inches apart and install a stake or cage at planting time so you do not disturb the roots later.

Watering Tips

Tomatoes need about 2 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Consistent watering prevents blossom-end rot and cracking.

Mulch around each plant to conserve moisture and keep the soil temperature steady.

Ongoing Care

Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer once the first fruits begin to set. Prune the lower branches to improve airflow and reduce the chance of soil-borne diseases splashing onto leaves.

Harvest tomatoes when they are fully red and slightly firm. The flavor actually intensifies during drier conditions, so do not worry if you occasionally miss a watering.

Growing in South Jersey (Zone 7a)

In the 08071 area, the average last spring frost is around April 15 and the first fall frost is around October 15, giving you a roughly 183-day growing season — plenty of time for indeterminate tomatoes like Riesentraube.

Start seeds indoors around late February to early March (about 6-8 weeks before April 15). Begin hardening off seedlings in early April by setting them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually. Transplant outdoors after the last frost has passed — many South Jersey gardeners wait until the first week of May to be safe, especially if there is a late-season cold snap.

Riesentraube will produce fruit from midsummer right up until the first fall frost in mid-October. As fall approaches, pick any remaining green tomatoes before frost hits — they will ripen on a sunny windowsill. With the long South Jersey growing season, you can expect heavy harvests from July through September.