Growing Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To successfully grow Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes, start by planting them from seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last frost date. These cherry tomatoes thrive as indeterminate vines, typically reaching a height of 3 to 5 feet during the growing season. To support their growth, it's beneficial to use stakes or tomato cages, which provide proper airflow and keep the fruits off the ground. Sungold tomato seeds should be sown 1/4 inch deep, spaced 1-2 inches apart in a seed-starting mix. Germination occurs within 7-10 days. Once the seedlings reach at least 4 inches in height, gradually harden them off by exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Before transplanting, remove all sets of leaves except for the top cotyledon. When the threat of frost has passed, usually during warmer conditions between 70-85°F, transplant the seedlings outdoors. Bury the tomato plant deeply, leaving only the top set of leaves above ground, and space them 24-36 inches apart in rows with 36-inch spacing. Support their vigorous growth with trellises or stakes, ensuring that the plants remain upright. Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes can also be successfully grown in containers, making them a versatile choice for gardeners with limited space.

Maintaining Sungold Hybrid Tomato plants involves several essential aspects to ensure a successful growing season. These indeterminate vines benefit from proper support, so use stakes or tomato cages to provide structural stability and to keep the fruits off the ground. Regular pruning can help manage their vigorous growth by removing excessive foliage and smaller branches. To prevent soil-borne diseases, avoid planting them in the same location as other members of the Solanaceae family within the past year. Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are known for their sweetness and bright color, making them great companions in the garden alongside herbs like basil, which can enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. Proper watering is crucial; maintain a consistent schedule and avoid overwatering, which can lead to issues like blossom end rot. Additionally, consider mulching or using drip irrigation to keep the soil evenly moist.

Harvesting Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes

Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are indeterminate varieties, which means they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. The ideal time to harvest these golden orange cherry tomatoes is when they reach full ripeness. You'll know they're ready when the fruits are a vibrant golden-orange color and have a slight give when gently squeezed. They should come off the vine with ease when harvested at the peak of ripeness. To pick them, simply hold the vine with one hand and gently twist the tomato stem with the other. These sweet and sun-kissed cherry tomatoes are perfect for snacking or adding a burst of flavor to salads. With their continuous production, you can enjoy a steady supply of Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes throughout the growing season.

About Sungold Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are a relatively recent addition to the world of tomato varieties, introduced in 1992. They quickly gained popularity among home gardeners and commercial growers due to their exceptional sweetness and vibrant golden-orange color. The history of these cherry tomatoes is rooted in a desire to create a fruit that not only looked appealing but also delivered an outstanding flavor. Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are a product of modern breeding efforts, focusing on combining the desirable traits of sweetness, productivity, and disease resistance. Today, they are celebrated for their luscious taste and are often regarded as one of the sweetest cherry tomatoes available, making them a favorite among gardeners and those who appreciate the culinary delights of fresh, homegrown produce.

Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes offer not only exceptional flavor but also a touch of interesting trivia for tomato enthusiasts. They belong to the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family, which includes other well-known plants like potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and even tobacco. These crops share susceptibility to similar diseases, so it's advisable not to plant them in soil that has recently hosted another member of the Solanaceae family. Apart from their botanical connections, Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are renowned for their high Vitamin A content, contributing to eye and skin health, and are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.

Sungold Hybrid Tomatoes are excellent candidates for container gardening and can thrive in hanging baskets. Their compact indeterminate growth habit and smaller size make them well-suited for these planting methods. When grown in containers or hanging baskets, you can enjoy the sweet, golden-orange cherry tomatoes without the need for a traditional garden plot. Just ensure that the containers or baskets receive plenty of sunlight, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of these delicious tomatoes.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To boost their sweetness even further, consider planting them alongside basil in your garden or containers. Basil not only complements the flavor of Sungold tomatoes in culinary dishes but also acts as a natural companion plant in the garden. The aromatic oils from basil can help deter common tomato pests like aphids and whiteflies. Plus, the fragrant combination of sweet tomatoes and basil in your garden will make it a delightful place to spend time."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Sungold Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 seed Packet
• 1000 seed Packet
• 5000 seed Packet

Non-GMO Sungold Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.