Cherry Bomb

The Cherry Bomb is the first exploding plant that you receive.

The Cherry Bomb is based on any number of species from the Cerasus subgenus, most probably the Wild Cherry, or Prunus avium .

It is named after the cherry-shaped firework of the same name.

Usage
The Cherry Bomb explodes almost instantly after being planted. It has a very short fuse, but will not cause damage to zombies if eaten before it has the chance to explode. It is a one-time use plant, but can be planted as often as required.

On detonation, it destroys zombies within one square from its location (diagonally as well as horizontally and vertically). Like other exploding plants, it can destroy any enemy except for the Gargantuar in one detonation.

Suburban Almanac Entry
Cherry Bomb

Cherry Bombs can blow up all zombies in an area. They have a short fuse so plant them near zombies.

Damage: massive

Range: all zombies in a medium area

Usage: single use, instant

"I wanna explode," says Cherry #1. "No, let's detonate instead!" says his brother, Cherry #2. After intense consultation they agree to explodonate.

Cost: 150

Recharge: very slow

Strategy
The Cherry Bomb is typically used either in one of two situations: as a last-ditch defensive effort when a zombie (or group of zombies) is going to devour a plant you want to keep, or when you need to dispatch of a large zombie cluster instantly. It can also be used at the end of a level you want to end quickly. It is not usually necessary during Adventure Mode, as a reliable Instant Kill only becomes necessary during the Pool levels, when the much more efficient Squash is obtained.

Achievements
If you blow up 10 zombies with one Cherry Bomb, you will earn the achievement Explodonator. Note that this only applies to normal-sized zombies; smaller zombies from Big Trouble Little Zombie do not count toward this achievement on the iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad versions.