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Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red'
Surefire Red Tomato
F1 hybrid cultivar bred for the disease-resistance package (early blight, late blight, mosaic viruses) that reduces fungicide-spray requirements relative to older heirloom cherry tomato cultivars; the species {Solanum lycopersicum} is native to western South America (Peru and Ecuador) where the wild ancestor still grows in coastal and montane habitats; the early 65-75 day cycle and determinate bush habit make the cultivar suited to short-season climates and container growing where larger indeterminate vines are not practical
Key Features
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Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red' is Surefire Red tomato (a cherry tomato), a determinate (bush type) annual in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. The cultivar produces round glossy red cherry tomatoes 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, about 1 ounce (28 g) each, in pendulous clusters with sweet flavor and balanced acidity. The firm flesh resists cracking. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers. Dark green pinnately compound foliage with short trichomes that release a pungent tomato scent when touched or bruised. F1 hybrid with disease resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and several mosaic viruses — the disease-resistance package reduces the fungicide-spray frequency required for older cherry cultivars. Early-maturing 65-75 days from transplant, which makes the cultivar suited to short-season climates. Determinate, with concentrated fruit set across 3-4 weeks before production tapers. The concentrated harvest is a tradeoff for gardeners who want fruit across a longer window — succession planting or pairing with an indeterminate cherry cultivar extends the supply across the season. Start seed indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine and are toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
F1 hybrid cultivar bred for disease resistance. The species Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru and Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Disease-resistant determinate cherry tomato. Early-maturing 65-75 days. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Tender annual. Suited to short-season climates and container growing where larger indeterminate cherry cultivars are not practical. Not suited to gardeners who want fruit across an extended harvest window without succession planting since the concentrated determinate set lasts only 3-4 weeks per planting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October) across a 16-week bloom window. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in pendulous clusters. Self-pollinating, with pollen released from the anther cone by physical agitation. Fruit ripens 65-75 days from transplant. Determinate growth pattern: concentrated fruit set across 3-4 weeks then production tapers as the plant approaches biological end-of-cycle.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers 0.4 inch (10 mm) across carried in pendulous clusters; self-pollinating with pollen released from the anther cone by physical agitation (wind, pollinator buzz) rather than direct pollinator transferFoliage Description
Dark green pinnately compound foliage with toothed leaflets and short trichomes (hairs) that release a pungent tomato scent when touched or bruisedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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 per day). Well-drained soil at pH 6.0-7.0. Start seed indoors 6 weeks before last frost. The disease-resistance package covers early blight, late blight, and several mosaic viruses, which reduces the fungicide-spray frequency required for older cherry cultivars. Cage or stake the bush to support fruit weight. Determinate, so the terminal growing tip is left intact (removing the tip stops vertical growth and reduces yield). Consistent watering prevents fruit cracking. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers below the first flower cluster on young plants. Do not remove the terminal growing tip (the cultivar is determinate, so removing the tip stops vertical growth). Remove lower leaves touching soil to reduce splash-borne disease pressure. Harvest fruit when glossy red and firm.Pruning Schedule
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Maintenance Level
lowContainer 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
65–75 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches
Botanical Flashcard
