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Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold'
Sungold Cherry Tomato
F1 hybrid (Tokita Seed Company, Japan); the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South AmericaKey Features
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is Sungold cherry tomato, an indeterminate F1 hybrid growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on stakes or cages. Prolific clusters of golden-orange cherry tomatoes 1-1.25 inches (2.5-3 cm) with a high sugar content and a tangerine-like sweetness, maturing in 55-65 days from transplant. Bright yellow flowers in clusters of 6-12. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). An F1 hybrid developed by Tokita Seed Company (Japan). The golden-orange color is from beta-carotene rather than the red lycopene of standard tomatoes. Indeterminate growth — the vine continues producing until frost. One of the most prolific cherry tomatoes: a single plant can produce 200+ fruit per season. Thin-skinned: the fruit splits readily after rain or irregular watering — harvest promptly when ripe. The fruit drops when overripe. F1 hybrid — saved seed does not produce true to type. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
F1 hybrid developed by Tokita Seed Company, Japan. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The most prolific and sweetest cherry tomato (200+ fruit per plant). Thin-skinned — harvest promptly. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow flowers in clusters of 6-12 continuously on indeterminate vines. Self-pollinating. Fruit 55-65 days from transplant.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, 0.5 inch (12 mm), in clusters of 6-12Foliage Description
Medium to dark green, pinnately compound with serrated leaflets, aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Stake or cage (indeterminate — 6-8 feet). Thin-skinned — splits after rain (harvest promptly). F1 hybrid (seed not true). Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Stake or cage required. Harvest promptly — fruit drops when overripe.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — transplant only
Days to Maturity
55–65 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches