Species tomato
Orange fruit with green sepals and stems, white hair,

tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum 'Sungold'

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum 'Sungold') is a popular variety of the species, and is known for its incredibly sweet taste and vibrant orange hue. Its fruits are usually no bigger than 2–2,5 cm in diameter, and come in clusters. They are delicious in salads or on sandwiches, and their intense color makes them popular among chefs. They are also great for drying, canning, and freezing; perfect for homemade sauces. This variety grows best in soil with well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and full sun. With its robust taste and profuse production, it is the perfect choice for any home or commercial garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tomatoes require regular watering to remain healthy and productive, and prefer consistent but not excessive moist soil. When watering your tomato plant, soak the soil and root system thoroughly. Depending on the climate, tomato plants should receive an inch or 2 of water per week. Be sure to water deeply, generally early in the morning, to ensure your tomato plants get an even soaking each time. Avoid over-watering; this can cause stem rot or root rot and can also reduce the quality and flavor of your tomatoes. Avoid watering the foliage as well, as this can lead to disease. If this is difficult to avoid, then water first thing in the morning to allow the plants time to dry out before nightfall.

sunlight

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum 'Sungold') need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If possible, they should receive even more sunlight, up to 12 hours a day, for optimal growth and fruiting. Since tomatoes are a warm season crop, they are best grown when temperatures are consistently in the mid-60s and above. If outdoor temperatures become too hot, tomatoes can become stressed and over-fruit, which can lead to lower yields. Sunlight should be direct and uninterrupted throughout the entire day for best results.

pruning

Tomato plants should be pruned as needed starting as soon as the plant reaches 12-18 inches in height. It's best to prune tomatoes when the plant is still young to encourage a healthier, more vigorous plant. For Sungold tomatoes specifically, you should prune away any stems and branches that are weak, dead, or wouldn't benefit from bearing fruit for your harvest. Remove any suckers that form near the base of the stem and any branches that are growing vertically instead of outward and horizontally. It is especially important for Sungold tomato plants to be pruned regularly to encourage more productive yields. Ideally, you should prune your Sungold tomatoes every 2 weeks.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lycopersicon esculentum 'Sungold' tomatoes typically begins in July and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Tomatoes typically start flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lycopersicon esculentum 'Sungold' tomatoes typically begins in July and continues through October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do Tomato plants self-pollinate?

Tomato plants can self-pollinate, meaning the plant is capable of fertilizing itself. Self-pollination can occur through a process called cleistogamy, wherein all the parts needed for pollen grain transfer and fertilization of the ovules are included in one flower. However, cross-pollination can also occur with insects and wind acting as pollinators transferring pollen from one flower to another. Cross-pollination of tomato plants can lead to a more vigorous growth and more fruit.

Do heirloom tomatoes grow better in the garden?

Yes, heirloom tomatoes can be grown very easily in a home garden as they are well adapted to growing in normal garden soil. They do not require much in the way of added nutrients or special treatment, and their good flavor makes them a favorite with home gardeners. Heirloom tomatoes typically produce larger and juicier fruits, and they also tend to have more interesting shapes and colors, which adds to their appeal for the home gardener. Although heirloom tomatoes may not produce as much fruit as newer hybrid varieties, they are still a great choice for home gardeners who appreciate their flavor and unique beauty.

Should I use organic soil for Tomato plants?

Yes, you should use organic soil for tomato plants. Organic soil helps to create a healthier soil system that is more conducive to growing tomatoes. It contains compost and other natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients for tomato growth and improve soil structure. Organic soil is free of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, which can damage the environment and create health issues for you and your family. Additionally, organic soil helps retain moisture, which gives tomatoes a higher yield. Ultimately, the benefits of organic soil far outweigh the costs, making it a great choice for tomatoes.

Do Tomatoes grow well in containers?

Yes, tomatoes can be grown very successfully in containers. It is important to choose a container that is large enough to provide adequate space for the root system, and it should be at least 12 inches deep. It is also important to select a variety of tomato that can tolerate the limited soil space of a container such as determinate or dwarf varieties. The soil should be well drained and fertile, and the soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. Tomatoes should be given ample sunlight to perform well in a container. If cared for properly, tomatoes can be a great addition to any container gardening plan.

Are there dwarf Tomato plant varieties?

Yes, there are dwarf tomato plant varieties. These plants are typically smaller than standard tomato plants, typically growing to no more than two or three feet tall. Dwarf tomatoes are well suited to container gardening, and many varieties are available in both determinate and indeterminate forms, so they can be grown in small spaces or indoors. These varieties can have sweet, flavorful fruit just like their larger cousins, though the smaller fruit size does mean there's less of it.

Should I pinch off Tomato plant suckers?

Yes, you should pinch off tomato plant suckers. Pinching off tomato suckers promotes a plant’s ability to focus its energy on producing more fruit rather than more foliage. Pruning back both the main stem and suckers early in the season can result in larger, healthier plants that produce an earlier, larger harvest of fruit. Pinch off suckers when they are about 2-4” long. Use your thumb and forefinger to snap off the suckers - no gardening shears or knives are needed for removing suckers. Proper pruning of suckers also improves air circulation around the plant, which improves disease prevention.

Should I remove yellowing Tomato leaves?

Yes, you should remove yellowing tomato leaves. Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of stress from one or more environmental factors, such as too much or too little water, an imbalance of nutrients, or too much sun exposure. Removing these leaves can help reduce the stress on the plant and help prevent it from spreading to the healthier leaves, thus providing a better opportunity for successful growth and healthier yields.

Do Tomatoes thrive in raised beds?

Yes, tomatoes thrive in raised beds! Raised beds offer a number of benefits when it comes to growing tomatoes, such as improved soil drainage and aeration, the ability to control soil pH levels, deeper roots, and improved pest and disease control. The soil in the beds can also be enriched with organic matter for the most fertile, nutrient-rich environment possible. Raised beds also allow for better control of sun exposure, meaning you can choose to position the bed in a spot that gets just the right amount of sunlight to ensure optimal growth for your tomatoes. With the right conditions, tomatoes grown in raised beds can produce delicious flavorful fruit all season long.