fruit vegetable

Sun Gold Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sun Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

The tomato is a vining, herbaceous plant in the nightshade family, widely cultivated for its edible fruit. Plants typically have hairy stems and compound, deeply lobed leaves with a strong aroma.

'Sun Gold' is an indeterminate cherry tomato that produces abundant clusters of small, golden-orange fruits renowned for their exceptionally sweet, fruity flavor. It is an early-maturing variety and is resistant to fusarium wilt and tobacco mosaic virus.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, edible fruits add a cheerful touch to vegetable gardens and containers.
Practical UsesProvides fresh, homegrown tomatoes with rich flavor and high nutritional value.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies when flowering.
SpeciesSolanum lycopersicumTomato

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

84 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Leaves and stems are toxic; ripe fruit is edible.

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
  3. Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed, around 6-8 weeks.
  4. Provide support with stakes or cages as plants grow taller.
  5. Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, about once a week.
  6. Fertilize with a balanced tomato fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to boost soil fertility and improve fruit flavor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases 🌱
  • Prune suckers to promote better airflow and fruit production
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
  • Stake or cage plants to support heavy fruit loads

Don't

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk ❌
  • Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but few fruits
  • Refrain from planting in poorly drained areas to prevent root rot
  • Don’t ignore pest signs early; treat promptly

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant edible borderColorful container gardenVegetable patch with a splash of yellow

Companion Plants

Basil Marigold Chives Carrots Lettuce

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sun Gold Tomato questions

What zones can Sun Gold Tomato grow in?

Sun Gold Tomato is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sun Gold Tomato deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sun Gold Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sun Gold Tomato bloom?

Sun Gold Tomato typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sun Gold Tomato need full sun?

Sun Gold Tomato does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Sun Gold Tomato with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.