Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold', Sungold Cherry Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold'

Sungold Cherry Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitindeterminate vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet
Maturity0.2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9a - 11b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
Zone 11a
Zone 11b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' is an exceptional indeterminate cherry tomato cultivar celebrated for producing abundant clusters of intensely sweet, golden-orange fruits. This vigorous annual develops sprawling vines that can reach 6-8 feet in height when properly supported, displaying the characteristic compound leaves of the Solanaceae family with serrated leaflets arranged in an alternate pattern along sturdy stems. The defining glory of Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' lies in its prolific production of small, round to slightly oval fruits measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. These cherry tomatoes ripen to a brilliant golden-orange color and possess an extraordinarily sweet flavor profile with subtle tropical fruit undertones that distinguish them from traditional red varieties. The thin-skinned fruits hang in generous grape-like clusters along branching stems, often producing several hundred fruits per plant throughout the growing season. Small, bright yellow flowers appear in clusters before developing into the signature golden harvest, creating an attractive and productive addition to any vegetable garden.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originated in the coastal regions of western South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestors still grow today. The species was later cultivated and significantly developed in Mexico before European colonization spread tomatoes worldwide. The 'Sungold' cultivar represents modern hybrid breeding achievements, developed through selective breeding programs to enhance sweetness, productivity, and disease resistance while maintaining the appealing golden coloration.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' excels in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers with adequate support structures. The exceptionally sweet flavor makes it perfect for fresh eating, snacking directly from the vine, and children's gardens where the appeal of sweet, colorful fruits encourages healthy eating habits. The prolific harvest provides excellent opportunities for sharing with neighbors and friends, while the attractive golden color adds visual interest to garden spaces, salads, and culinary presentations. Consider planting near outdoor seating areas where the fragrant foliage and easy picking access can be enjoyed.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' can be easily identified by its distinctive golden-orange cherry tomatoes that deliver exceptional sweetness when tasted. The indeterminate growth habit produces long, continuously growing vines with typical tomato foliage featuring compound leaves with serrated edges and a medium green color. Small bright yellow flowers appear in clusters and develop into the characteristic 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter fruits that hang in abundant grape-like clusters. The brilliant golden-orange color at full ripeness, combined with the intensely sweet flavor and prolific production, clearly distinguishes this cultivar from other cherry tomato varieties in the garden.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~26 weeks
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SummerFall
continuously from mid-summer through first frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium green with serrated compound leaves

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 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

consistent moisture with deep watering

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

65-70 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' requires attentive care to achieve maximum fruit production and plant health. Provide deep, consistent watering at soil level to maintain even moisture throughout the growing season while avoiding overhead watering that can promote foliar diseases. Install sturdy support structures such as tall cages, stakes, or trellises early in the season, as these indeterminate vines will continue growing and producing until frost. Begin with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then transition to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer once flowering commences to encourage fruit development over excessive foliage growth. Apply organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed competition.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' regularly by removing suckers - the vigorous shoots that develop in the crotch between the main stem and branches - to direct energy toward fruit production rather than excessive vegetation. Remove the lowest leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto foliage during watering or rain. As an indeterminate variety, consider pinching the growing tip late in the season to redirect the plant's energy toward ripening existing fruits before the first frost arrives. Promptly remove any diseased, yellowing, or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to maintain optimal plant health and air circulation.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

The ripe golden fruits of Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' are completely safe and delicious for human consumption. However, like all members of the tomato family, the leaves, stems, and green unripe fruits contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that can be toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities. Keep children and pets from eating the plant foliage or green fruits, and dispose of pruned plant material appropriately to prevent accidental ingestion.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - start indoors and transplant after last frost

Days to Maturity

65–70 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
marigolds
peppers
carrots
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
walnut trees