Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 8B — Florida

Sun Gold tomatoes are like candy straight from the vine, and that's why they're worth growing here in Florida. Their intense sweetness and vibrant color make them perfect for snacking, salads, and adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Plus, you can harvest these little gems for weeks, bringing sunshine to your kitchen even when the Florida summer heat is bearing down.

Florida gardening definitely has its challenges, with humidity, nematodes, and fungal diseases all vying for attention. But don't worry, with careful timing and a few tricks, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Sun Golds. Our long 303-day growing season gives you plenty of opportunity to get it right.

Starting your Sun Gold seeds indoors from mid January through early February gives them a head start before the heat really kicks in. This is about 6 weeks before you'll want to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep your seed trays warm and provide plenty of light, either with a grow light or near a sunny window. Remember our spring character is reversed here, so we're trying to get things going WHILE it's still cool. Bottom watering is great for seedlings; just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. This helps prevent damping-off, a common problem in our humid climate.

Transplant your Sun Gold seedlings outdoors from early to late March, after the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This prevents shock.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow; these are vigorous plants! Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Early March can still bring some cool snaps, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Sun Gold tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in our hot Florida climate. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. During the drier parts of spring, you'll likely need to water deeply a couple of times a week.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. You're probably looking at providing around 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Watering at the base of the plant is best to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid environment.

Watch for signs of underwatering, like wilting leaves, or overwatering, like yellowing leaves. Mulching around your plants with pine straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sun Gold tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing all season long, and they get BIG. These are vigorous growers, so sturdy support is a must. Choose tall, strong cages or heavy-duty stakes.

Install your supports at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This will keep the plant upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.

Pruning is essential for managing Sun Gold tomatoes in Florida. These plants will quickly take over your garden if you don't keep them in check. The key is to remove suckers, which are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches.

Pinch off these suckers early in the morning, when the plant is dry. You can also prune the lower leaves as the plant grows to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. As the season winds down and we approach mid- December, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining fruit to ripen before frost.

You can expect your first Sun Gold harvest from late April through mid June. The tomatoes are ready when they turn a deep orange-gold color and are slightly soft to the touch. They should also be intensely sweet. Many times they will drop from the vine when they are perfectly ripe.

Gently twist or snip the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regularly harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid- December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great, even if they're not quite as sweet as vine-ripened ones.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Sun Gold tomatoes in Florida:

Cracking:

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from it.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe. Some varieties are more crack-resistant.

Over-production:

• What it looks like: A mountain of tomatoes that you can't possibly eat or give away fast enough.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are just incredibly prolific.
• How to fix/prevent it: Stagger your planting times so you don't get everything at once. Preserve them by canning, freezing, or making sauce. Share with neighbors!

Early Blight:

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that loves our warm, humid conditions. It spreads from soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation by pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate your crops each year.

Florida Specific Challenges: The hot heat, very-high humidity, and wet-summer rainfall in Florida create the perfect environment for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent watering is key to preventing cracking, but that can be tricky with our unpredictable summer storms. Nematodes in our sandy soil can also be a problem. Choose nematode-resistant varieties and amend your soil with plenty of organic matter.

Companion planting can really help your Sun Gold tomatoes thrive here in Florida. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests, and it's happy in our climate too. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are known to deter nematodes in the soil, which is a big plus for Florida gardeners.

Avoid planting brassicas like cabbage and broccoli near your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel is also a bad companion because it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can attract tomato pests, so keep them separated.