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Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red'
Surefire Red Tomato
F1 hybrid cultivar bred for disease resistance; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South AmericaKey Features
Maintenancelow
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red' is Surefire Red tomato (Surefire Red cherry tomato), a determinate (bush type) annual growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. Round glossy red cherry tomatoes 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter, about 1 ounce (28 g) each, in pendulous clusters. Sweet with balanced acidity. The firm flesh resists cracking. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers. Dark green pinnately compound foliage with fine trichomes that release a pungent tomato scent. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). F1 hybrid with disease resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and several mosaic viruses — the disease package reduces the need for fungicide sprays. Early-maturing: 65-75 days from transplant — one of the earliest cherry types. Determinate: concentrated fruit set over 3-4 weeks then production tapers. The concentrated harvest is a limitation for gardeners who want fruit over a longer period — succession-plant or grow an indeterminate cherry alongside. 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. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
F1 hybrid cultivar bred for disease resistance. 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). Disease-resistant determinate cherry tomato. Early-maturing (65-75 days). F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.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). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in pendulous clusters. Self-pollinating. Fruit 65-75 days from transplant. Determinate: concentrated fruit set over 3-4 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, 0.4 inch (10 mm), in pendulous clustersFoliage Description
Dark green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets, fine trichomes (hairs) — release pungent tomato scent when touchedGrowing 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). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Disease-resistant (early blight, late blight, mosaic viruses). Cage or stake. Determinate — do not remove terminal tip. Consistent watering (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 (determinate). Remove lower leaves touching soil. Harvest when glossy red and firm.Pruning Schedule
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summer
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