True determinates don't necessarily set fruit then wither and die. It all depends on care, container size, nutrient availablity, and the weather, how stressed they get. Many determinate varieties will produce a smaller second crop. But it is smaller and often lesser quality so many don't consider it worth the effort. Especially when they can so easily be replaced if your season allows.

It has been many years since I grew Tom but as I recall its initial flush of fruit is so heavy and its typical container so small that unless it is really babied the rest of the season wasn't worth much. If I were you I'd plan on a mid-July replacement. JMO

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: here are some earlier discussions about Tom that might be of interest

I wasn't wild about the flavor/quality of the tomatoes either. It looks like a tomato, but the main thing you grow them for, tomatoes, isn't all that good.

Great producing little plants, I grew them down here in Florida for two years but the skins were tough and the fruit had NO taste...even maters from the store tasted better... :-) :-(

I agree. That is one variety I will not grow again. Cute? Yes. Tasty? No.

They're one of those varieties that have better flavor if left on the plant until fully ripe. Not the greatest, but still better than store-bought, IMO. I grew "Tumbler" last year and I'm growing it again this year. I've seen one called "Tumbling Tom" listed, but I don't know if the two would be the same variety.
One thing I've noticed is the branches can get quite tall before they "tumble", and they can bend/crimp under their own weight. I was thinking of pinching out the tip of the main stem early on to promote more side growth, or maybe just stick a small cage in the container.

Thanks for the replies. I think. (All these people saying they don't taste good has me a little bummed. I'm wondering if I grew the wrong variety. I like tangy tomatoes, even tart, hopefully the people who didn't like the taste like their tomatoes sweeter? One can hope?)

Can anyone recommend a compact variety for containers with good flavor?

Why don't you grow a couple of them and see how you like them? If their taste isn't up to par for munching straight, they can be tossed into a salad and covered with dressing. My 13 year old neighbor liked them just fine...that's why I'm growing them again. She preferred them to the yellow cherries I tried(Blondkopfchen)and so did I.

Thanks, noinwi, I am going to grow them. I have five healthy plants. I may start a couple more. I also have five of another variety called "Sweet and Neat". (Anyone care to trash that variety before I've had the experience of growing it? ) ;) A significant part of growing is simply the enjoyment of the experience, anything else is a bonus. I'm just getting back into gardening after many years--and I've never grown in this region or in containers. I buy and eat mostly heirloom cherries, but most heirlooms are not suited for containers.

Tomato Growers Supply has a few determinate cherries. I'm trying Tiny Tim this year, but got the seeds locally. I've tried Window Box Roma, but had a BER problem early in the season(not totally unexpected), and as the description states, it needs to be red-ripe for decent flavor.

Here is a link that might be useful: TGS