Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 7B — Pacific Northwest

Sun Gold Tomatoes are practically candy, and their intensely sweet flavor shines even brighter thanks to our cool PNW nights. You'll find yourself popping these straight from the vine, adding them to salads, or roasting them for a burst of sunshine in winter. The sheer volume of fruit you get from one plant is incredibly satisfying.

While we might struggle a bit to get the heat-loving plants thriving, starting indoors and choosing the right varieties gives you a head start. Plus, our long mild fall often lets us extend the harvest. With a 193-day growing season, you can absolutely enjoy a bumper crop of Sun Golds.

Starting Sun Gold Tomato seeds indoors from mid-March through early April gives them the jump start they need for our shorter summers. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide bottom watering to avoid damping off.

Place the trays on a heat mat to maintain a soil temperature of around 75-80°F. Once seedlings emerge, usually within a week or two, move them under grow lights. Overcast spring days are common here, and supplemental light prevents leggy growth.

Transplant your Sun Gold Tomato seedlings outdoors from late April through late May, once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up a bit. Hardening off is crucial. For about a week, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with an hour or two of indirect sunlight and increasing the time each day.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be mindful of those late spring showers and protect young transplants from slugs.

Sun Gold Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during our dry summer months. Aim to give them about 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Use the "finger test" to check soil moisture. If the top 2 inches feel dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth and avoid wetting the foliage. Our dry summer air minimizes the risk of fungal diseases from overhead watering. However, that same dry air can lead to blossom end rot if soil moisture fluctuates too much.

In the PNW, we don't typically experience intense, prolonged heat waves, but consistent moisture is still key. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Sun Gold Tomatoes are vigorous indeterminate plants that will sprawl all over your garden if left unsupported. Strong cages or tall stakes are essential. I prefer cages because they provide more comprehensive support as the plant grows.

Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Regular pruning is essential to keep Sun Gold Tomatoes manageable and productive. Focus on removing suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers steal energy from fruit production.

Prune suckers early in the morning on a dry day. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves, especially near the bottom of the plant, to improve air circulation and prevent fungal diseases. As the end of the season approaches in late October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before the first frost.

You can expect your first Sun Gold Tomato harvest from late June through mid-August, depending on when you transplanted. The tomatoes are ripe when they turn a vibrant orange-gold color, feel slightly soft to the touch, and have an intensely sweet aroma. They will often drop from the vine when very ripe.

Gently twist or snip the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. As the first frost approaches in late October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll continue to ripen on a windowsill or in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Sun Gold Tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, but here are a few common problems to watch out for in the Pacific Northwest:

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 or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water faster than the skin can expand.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and deeply to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even soil moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Over-Production

• What it looks like: A seemingly endless supply of tomatoes!
• What causes it: Sun Golds are incredibly prolific. You might find yourself overwhelmed with more tomatoes than you can eat.
• How to fix/prevent it: Succession planting (plant fewer plants), share with neighbors, preserve by canning, freezing, or making sauce.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: 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 (don't compost). Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide slows spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Our mild summers and dry-summer humidity can actually be beneficial for Sun Golds, reducing the risk of many common tomato diseases. However, late blight can still be a concern in some years, especially with cool, wet springs. Proper spacing, pruning, and good air circulation are key to preventing problems.

Companion planting can help your Sun Gold Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a classic companion, improving the flavor of tomatoes and repelling pests. Carrots help loosen the soil, improving drainage. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) because they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn competes for nutrients and can attract pests that also affect tomatoes.