Citizen science can be used as a research method to evaluate consumer preferences in horticulture. In 2023, 300 participants from Indiana, Iowa, and Tennessee were recruited to grow three cultivars of compact tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants started from seed or as transplants in an 18-week experiment. The cultivars evaluated were Cocoa, Red Robin, and Micro Tom. After completing a pre-experiment survey to characterize demographics and gardening experience levels, participants were provided with a plant kit containing all materials required to complete the experiment. Participant engagement was maintained using a social-media community page, monthly virtual educational sessions, and frequent email communications. At the end of the experiment, 203 participants had completed the post-experiment survey focused on evaluating cultivar and plant-type preferences. Furthermore, three focus group sessions with six random participants each were conducted to further assess survey responses. Cocoa was the preferred cultivar by 41% of participants, followed by Red Robin at 31%. Cultivar preferences of plants started from seed followed the same trend for appearance, fruit number, and fruit taste. However, growth and appearance of ‘Red Robin’ transplants were ranked higher than ‘Cocoa’. Approximately 70% of participants preferred plants started as transplants compared to those from seed, regardless of cultivar. These preferences were attributed to the higher yield, better growth and perceived fruit taste, and lower maintenance required to use transplants. Overall, 69% of participants reported they would be willing to pay between $1.00 to $7.49 more for a transplant of their favorite cultivar compared to currently available tomato plants at local nurseries. Findings from the focus group sessions indicated participants liked the potential gift-use of these compact cultivars, and their versatility to be used in different gardening spaces such as kitchen countertops or windowsills. Results from this study indicate potential consumers value appearance, fruit yield, and fruit taste when selecting compact tomato cultivars, whereas ease of care and plant growth are more important factors when choosing a plant type.
