Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Sun Gold tomatoes are like edible sunshine, and their intensely sweet flavor makes them a standout in any Great Plains garden. They're perfect for snacking straight off the vine, adding to salads, or even grilling for a burst of flavor, and they are so prolific they will bring you joy all season. The satisfaction of growing these little gems in our prairie soil, under our intense sunshine, is hard to beat.

Sure, we've got our share of challenges here on the Plains – wind, extreme temperature swings, and variable rainfall. But with a little planning and attention, you can absolutely enjoy a bumper crop of Sun Golds. Our growing season, averaging around 178 days, gives you plenty of time to get them from seed to table.

Starting Sun Gold tomato seeds indoors is the way to go for our region to get a jump on the season. Aim to sow your seeds mid-March through early April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. This gives them a head start before our sometimes unpredictable spring weather hits.

You'll need seed trays or small pots, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright spot. A heat mat can help with germination, and once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light with a grow light or a very sunny window. Be sure to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping off.

Remember, spring on the Plains can be variable, with sudden warm spells followed by chilly nights. Keep an eye on the forecast and adjust your indoor environment as needed to keep your seedlings happy and healthy.

Transplanting your Sun Gold tomato seedlings outdoors should happen early May through early June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, you'll need to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, increasing the time and sun exposure each day.

When you're ready to plant, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Space your plants 24-36 inches apart to give them room to grow. Our Plains weather can be windy, so consider planting in a sheltered location or using windbreaks to protect your young plants. Be prepared for those late-season cold snaps too; row covers can offer extra protection if needed.

Sun Gold tomatoes are thirsty plants, and consistent watering is crucial, especially here on the Great Plains where our rainfall can be unpredictable. These tomatoes are not drought-tolerant, and their thin skin makes them prone to cracking if they experience irregular watering.

During the hot summer months, you'll likely need to water deeply several times a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. In our low-to-moderate humidity, watering at the base of the plant is best to avoid fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and blossom end rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful with our extreme temperature swings.

Sun Gold tomatoes are vigorous indeterminate growers, meaning they'll keep growing and producing all season long. They need strong support to keep them off the ground and prevent them from sprawling.

Tall cages or sturdy stakes work best for Sun Golds. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plants grow, gently tie them to the stake or weave them through the cage to keep them upright.

Given our windy conditions on the Plains, make sure your support system is securely anchored to the ground. A strong gust can easily topple an unsupported tomato plant.

Sun Gold tomatoes are notorious for their sprawling growth habit, and they will take over your garden if you don't keep them in check. Regular pruning is essential to maintain manageable growth and improve air circulation.

Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches. Removing these suckers directs the plant's energy into fruit production. Also, prune the lower leaves as they start to yellow or show signs of disease.

As the end of the season approaches (first frost around mid- October), you can top the plant to encourage the remaining tomatoes to ripen. This stops new growth and diverts energy to ripening existing fruit.

You can expect your first Sun Gold tomatoes late June through mid August, about 57 days after transplanting. These little gems are ready to harvest when they turn a vibrant orange-gold color, feel slightly soft to the touch, and have an intensely sweet aroma. They often drop from the vine when perfectly ripe.

Gently twist or snip the ripe tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Sun Golds are continuous producers, so keep harvesting regularly to encourage more fruit to set.

As frost threatens (mid- October on the Plains), harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still develop a decent flavor, though not quite as sweet as vine-ripened ones. Store them in a single layer in a cool, dark place.

Here are some common issues you might encounter with Sun Gold tomatoes in our region:

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric (circles around the stem) or radial (lines radiating from the stem).
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, especially heavy watering after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water too quickly, causing the skin to split.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and deeply. Mulch to maintain even soil moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Over-Production

• What it looks like: A crazy amount of tomatoes that you cannot use, give away, or even look at anymore.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are very productive.
• How to fix/prevent it: Stagger your planting, succession plant, preserve them, can them, roast them, or just give them away.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers, variable rainfall, and occasional hail can all impact Sun Gold tomatoes. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent cracking during dry spells, and mulching helps regulate soil moisture and temperature. Wind protection is also important, as strong gusts can damage plants and spread disease. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect your plants from extreme conditions.

Companion planting can help your Sun Gold tomatoes thrive.

Good companions:

• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and other pests.
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and deter root-knot nematodes.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids.
• Marigold (French): Repels nematodes and other soil pests.

Bad companions:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Can attract tomato pests like corn earworms.