Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold', Sungold Cherry Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold'

Sungold Cherry Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is an outstanding indeterminate cherry tomato cultivar renowned for producing some of the sweetest fruits available to home gardeners. This vigorous annual plant develops into a tall, sprawling vine that can reach 6-8 feet in height when properly supported, displaying the characteristic compound leaves of the tomato family with serrated, oval leaflets that release the distinctive, pungent tomato aroma when brushed or crushed. The foliage is medium to dark green and creates a lush backdrop for the abundant flower and fruit production throughout the growing season. The plant produces continuous clusters of small, bright yellow, five-petaled flowers that are quickly followed by remarkable cherry tomatoes measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter. What truly distinguishes Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is its extraordinary fruit quality - the tomatoes develop into brilliant golden-orange orbs with glossy, translucent skin that appears almost jewel-like when backlit by sunlight. These exceptional fruits are celebrated for their incredible sweetness, often measuring 7-9 degrees Brix on the sugar scale, combined with perfect acidity that creates an almost tropical fruit-like flavor profile that sets them apart from typical red cherry varieties. The thin, delicate skin and intense sweetness make these tomatoes irresistible for fresh eating straight from the vine.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly the regions of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild tomato species continue to thrive in their natural mountainous habitat. The cultivar 'Sungold' is a modern hybrid developed through selective breeding programs, combining the genetic heritage of these South American ancestors with contemporary horticultural techniques to create this exceptionally sweet and productive variety.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' excels as the ultimate fresh-eating tomato, perfect for snacking directly from the vine, adding bursts of intense sweetness to green salads, or creating stunning colorful appetizer displays and garnishes. The exceptional sweetness and compact size make these tomatoes ideal for children's gardens, encouraging young gardeners to develop a genuine love for homegrown vegetables. This variety is excellent for container gardening on patios, decks, or balconies when provided with adequate support structures, and performs beautifully in greenhouse production systems. The abundant, colorful harvest makes Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' a favorite at farmers markets, and the fruits can be preserved through dehydrating to create intensely sweet tomato 'raisins' or used as attractive garnishes for both savory and sweet culinary applications.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is unmistakably identified by its distinctive golden-orange cherry tomatoes that grow in grape-like clusters, each fruit measuring approximately 1 inch across with glossy, translucent skin that becomes almost transparent when fully ripe. The plant exhibits classic tomato family characteristics including compound leaves with deeply serrated leaflets, the characteristic pungent aromatic scent when foliage is touched, and small bright yellow flowers with five pointed petals surrounding prominent yellow stamens. Unlike red cherry tomato varieties, Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' fruits maintain their brilliant golden-orange coloration throughout the ripening process and never turn red, making them easily distinguishable even from a distance. The thin, delicate skin often appears luminous when backlit, and the fruits have an exceptionally sweet flavor that immediately identifies them as this premium cultivar.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks
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SummerFall
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' produces continuous flushes of small, bright yellow, star-shaped flowers throughout the entire growing season, typically beginning in early summer and continuing until the first killing frost in fall. This extended bloom period of 3-4 months in most temperate regions ensures constant fruit production, with flowers appearing in clusters along the vine and quickly developing into the prized golden tomatoes that follow shortly after pollination.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green with compound, serrated leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, requiring consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

55-65 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' requires consistent, deep watering to maintain optimal growth and fruit production, needing 1-2 inches of water per week delivered at soil level to avoid wetting the foliage and prevent disease issues. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil that has been enriched with compost or aged manure, ensuring excellent drainage as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot and other problems. This indeterminate variety requires sturdy support structures such as tall tomato cages, trellises, or stakes, as the plants will continue growing and producing heavy clusters of fruit throughout the season. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus formula once flowering begins to encourage fruit development over excessive vegetative growth. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature while maintaining good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' by regularly removing suckers - the vigorous shoots that develop in the crotch between the main stem and side branches - to focus the plant's energy on fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Throughout the growing season, remove lower leaves that touch the ground and any yellowing, diseased, or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure. As an indeterminate variety, Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' benefits from having the growing tip pinched out in late summer, typically 4-6 weeks before the expected first frost, to encourage the plant to focus its remaining energy on ripening existing fruits. Regular pruning also makes harvesting much easier and allows better light penetration to developing fruit clusters, improving both yield and fruit quality.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' produces completely safe and delicious fruits when fully ripe and golden-orange in color, but like all members of the nightshade family, the green portions of the plant including leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes contain solanine and other glycoalkaloid compounds that can be toxic if consumed in significant quantities. Keep pets and children away from plant foliage and green plant parts, and ensure that only fully ripe, golden-orange colored fruits are consumed. The toxic compounds are concentrated in the green parts and dissipate as fruits ripen to their characteristic golden color.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

55–65 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
marigolds
peppers
parsley
chives
oregano

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
kohlrabi
walnut trees
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' (Sungold Cherry Tomato) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef