Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold'
Sungold Cherry Tomato
F1 hybrid cultivar (developed by Tokita Seed Company, Japan); the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South AmericaKey Features
Maintenancehigh
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is Sungold cherry tomato, an indeterminate annual vine growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on stakes or cages. Golden-orange cherry tomatoes 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm) diameter in grape-like pendant clusters — one of the highest-sugar cherry tomato cultivars. The golden-orange color is from high beta-carotene content. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers. Medium green pinnately compound foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). F1 hybrid (Tokita Seed Company, Japan) — seed does not produce true to type. Indeterminate: continues growing and producing until frost. TMV (tobacco mosaic virus) resistant. Hundreds of fruit per plant per season. The thin skin splits easily in rain or inconsistent watering — the primary limitation. Harvest promptly when golden-orange — overripe fruit drops. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Remove suckers weekly. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
F1 hybrid cultivar 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). Golden-orange cherry tomato — high sugar. Indeterminate — produces until frost. F1 hybrid. Thin skin splits. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. 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 5-petaled flowers in pendant clusters. Self-pollinating. Fruit 65-70 days from transplant. Indeterminate: continuous production until frost.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, 0.4 inch (10 mm), in pendant clustersFoliage Description
Medium green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets, fine hairsGrowing 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). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Indeterminate — stake or cage (6-8 feet / 180-240 cm). Remove suckers weekly. Thin skin splits in rain. Consistent watering. TMV resistant. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly from leaf axils. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Harvest promptly — overripe fruit drops and splits.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons