Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 7B — Texas

Sun Gold tomatoes are practically candy, and they thrive in our long Texas growing season. Their intense sweetness and vibrant color make them perfect for snacking straight from the vine, adding a burst of flavor to salads, or even grilling up for a sweet-and-smoky side dish. Plus, getting two tomato seasons out of one plant? That's a win in any Texas garden.

Sure, we have our challenges with unpredictable weather, from the brutal Texas heat to the occasional late freeze. But with smart timing and a little extra care, you can absolutely enjoy a bumper crop of Sun Golds. Our 255-day growing season gives you plenty of time to get it right.

Starting Sun Gold tomatoes indoors gives you a head start and helps you beat the worst of the Texas heat later in the season. Aim to sow your seeds indoors from early to late February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This timing takes advantage of our early spring.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm – around 70-75°F – and provide plenty of light. A simple shop light works wonders. Don't forget to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping-off. Set the tray in a shallow dish of water, let it soak for a bit, then remove.

Transplant your Sun Gold tomato seedlings outdoors from late March through late April, once the danger of frost has passed. Harden them off for about a week before planting. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of shade and increasing the time each day.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot. Keep an eye on the forecast; we can still get some unexpected cold snaps that time of year. Be ready to cover your young plants if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Sun Golds are thirsty plants, especially in the Texas heat. They need consistent moisture to produce those delicious, crack-free fruits. Aim to water deeply but less frequently, rather than shallowly every day.

During the spring, while the plants are still establishing, water about 1-1.5 inches per week. Once the Texas heat kicks in, you'll likely need to increase that to 2-2.5 inches per week, or even more during extended dry spells. Stick your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and blossom end rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your plants with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is a must in our climate.

Sun Gold tomatoes are vigorous indeterminate growers, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit until frost. They need strong support to keep them off the ground and prevent them from becoming a tangled mess.

Tall, sturdy cages are ideal for Sun Golds. Install them at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty stakes. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake with soft twine.

Sun Golds are notorious for their sprawling growth habit. Regular pruning is essential to keep them manageable and improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.

Pinch off the suckers that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will just steal energy from fruit production. Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the ground to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, you can prune off the top of the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

Get ready for a sweet reward! You can expect your first Sun Gold harvest from mid May through early July, about 57 days after transplanting.

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 practically fall off the vine when they're perfectly ripe. Harvest frequently to encourage continued production. As the first frost nears, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. Place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the process.

Even the best Texas gardeners face challenges, and Sun Golds are no exception. Here are three common problems:

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: 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 to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Over-Production

• What it looks like: So many tomatoes that the plant struggles to support them, branches break, and ripening slows.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are prolific! Their vigorous growth can overwhelm the plant.
• How to fix/prevent it: Provide strong support, prune regularly, and harvest frequently. Thin out some of the fruit clusters if necessary.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease 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, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat can stress the plants, making them more susceptible to disease. Variable humidity and unpredictable rainfall can exacerbate cracking and fungal issues. Consistent watering and good air circulation are key to success. Fire ants can also be a nuisance, so keep them under control around your tomato plants.

Companion planting can help your Sun Golds thrive in the Texas garden.

Basil is a classic companion for tomatoes. It repels pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies, and is said to improve the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots loosen the soil and their foliage deters some pests. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn competes for nutrients and can block sunlight.