Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 9B — Florida

Sun Gold tomatoes are practically candy – bursting with sweetness that makes them a favorite for snacking straight off the vine. They're also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, adding a bright, tangy flavor to salads, sauces, and salsas. For us Florida gardeners, growing your own Sun Golds brings a unique satisfaction, especially when you can extend the harvest well into our mild winters.

Our Florida gardening calendar is different, and the humidity, nematodes, and occasional hurricane can present challenges. However, by timing your planting right and choosing the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious tomatoes. With our long, 344-day growing season, there's plenty of time to get it done.

Starting Sun Gold tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in Florida. Aim to start your seeds from mid-December through early January. This gives you about 6 weeks to get those seedlings strong before transplanting. Remember, our spring is reversed, so we're getting a head start on the warm season.

You'll need seed trays or small pots, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright location. A heat mat can help with germination, and grow lights ensure sturdy seedlings. Don't forget to water from the bottom to prevent damping-off – set the tray in a shallow container of water and let the soil soak it up.

Transplant your Sun Gold tomato seedlings outdoors from early February through early March. This timing allows them to establish themselves before the intense Florida heat really kicks in. Before you move them permanently, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

When transplanting, space them 24-36 inches apart. The weather during this time can be unpredictable, so keep an eye out for late cold snaps and be ready to cover your young plants if necessary. Make sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

Sun Gold tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially in our hot and humid Florida climate. They are not drought-tolerant, and inconsistent watering can lead to fruit cracking. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.

The "finger test" is your friend – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid environment. Overhead watering is not recommended.

During our wet summers, you might need to reduce watering, but don't let the soil dry out completely. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil, while yellowing leaves and soggy soil indicate overwatering. Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, a must-do in Florida.

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 sprawling. Without support, they will take over your garden!

Tall cages or sturdy stakes work best. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake or train it to grow within the cage. These tomatoes get BIG, so don't skimp on support.

Pruning is essential for managing Sun Gold tomatoes in Florida. If you don't prune them, they'll become an unmanageable jungle. Focus on removing suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches.

Prune regularly throughout the growing season, especially as the plant gets larger. Also, remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to improve air circulation. As we approach late December and the threat of frost, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Sun Gold tomato harvest from early April through mid-May, about 57 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready when they turn a vibrant orange-gold color and are slightly soft to the touch. They'll also develop an intensely sweet flavor.

Harvest gently by twisting the tomato from the vine. Ripe Sun Golds may even drop from the vine when touched, indicating peak ripeness. To encourage continued production, harvest regularly and remove any overripe or damaged tomatoes.

As the first frost approaches in late December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They may not be quite as sweet as vine-ripened ones, but they'll still be delicious. Store them in a single layer at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with Sun Gold tomatoes in Florida: cracking, over-production, and early blight.

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: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water faster than the skin can expand. Some varieties are more prone than others.
• 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, you can't keep up! Vines are heavy, some fruit may rot on the vine.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are just super prolific. Our long growing season allows them to produce an abundance of fruit.
• How to fix/prevent it: Harvest frequently. Share with neighbors. Learn to make tomato sauce or freeze tomatoes for later use.

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.

Florida Specific Challenges: Our hot, humid summers and frequent rainfall create the perfect environment for fungal diseases like early blight. The humidity also makes cracking more likely, and nematodes in our sandy soil can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to problems. Choose nematode-resistant varieties if nematodes are a known issue in your area.

Companion planting can help your Sun Gold tomatoes thrive in Florida. Basil is a great choice because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests, plus it improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots deter nematodes, which can be a problem in our sandy soil. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds also deter nematodes and other soil pests.

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