Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 9B — Texas

Sun Gold tomatoes are practically candy from the garden. Their intensely sweet flavor and bright orange color make them a family favorite, and they're incredibly versatile – perfect for snacking, salads, or a quick sauce. Plus, you can get two tomato seasons here in Texas, so you have ample opportunity to enjoy these little gems.

Sure, Texas weather can be unpredictable, but with our long growing season, you have plenty of time to get a fantastic Sun Gold harvest. We’re talking a good 308 days, so even with a late freeze or a bout of Texas heat, you can still succeed with the right planning.

Starting Sun Gold tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in Texas. You’ll want to get them going in early to late January, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Starting them early gives them a head start before the Texas heat really kicks in.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (bottom watering works great to avoid damping off), and provide plenty of warmth and light. A heat mat can help with germination, and once the seedlings emerge, a grow light ensures they don't get leggy. Remember, spring comes early here, so give those seedlings a good start indoors.

Transplanting time for Sun Golds is generally mid February through mid March. Before you move them permanently, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas sun and wind.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late freezes can still happen, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed. A little protection early on can make a big difference.

Sun Golds are thirsty plants, and consistent watering is key, especially in our Texas climate. They aren't drought tolerant at all. With our hot-to-extreme summers and variable humidity, you need to be vigilant.

During the hottest part of the summer, you’ll likely need to water deeply every other day, or even daily if the rainfall is low. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Watering at the base of the plant is best to avoid fungal diseases, which can be a problem with our unpredictable humidity.

If the leaves are wilting or the fruit is cracking, it's a sign of inconsistent watering. On the other hand, yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering. A good layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is crucial in Texas.

Sun Golds are vigorous indeterminate growers, meaning they'll keep growing and producing all season long. They need strong support to keep those vines and heavy fruit off the ground.

A tall, sturdy cage is often the easiest option, but you can also use stakes. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently train the vines to grow up through the cage or tie them to the stake. This prevents the plant from sprawling and makes harvesting easier.

Sun Golds are notorious for taking over the garden if you don't prune them. Regular pruning is essential to keep them manageable and productive.

Focus on removing the suckers – the small shoots that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and a branch. Removing these directs the plant's energy into fruit production rather than excessive foliage. Also, prune the lower leaves as they start to yellow or show signs of disease. As the first frost approaches in early December, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Sun Gold harvest from mid April through early June, depending on when you transplanted. These tomatoes are ready to pick when they turn a vibrant orange-gold color and feel slightly soft to the touch. They're intensely sweet at this point, and some may even drop from the vine when perfectly ripe.

Gently twist or snip the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the weather cools in the fall, keep an eye on the forecast. If a freeze threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great, even if they don't quite reach the peak sweetness of vine-ripened ones.

Even with the best care, Sun Golds can sometimes run into problems. Here are three common issues we see in Texas:

• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either in circles around the stem (concentric) or radiating from the stem (radial).
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, especially heavy watering after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water too quickly, and the skin can't keep up.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently and mulch around the plants to maintain even soil moisture. Harvest tomatoes promptly when ripe.
• Over-production
• What it looks like: A huge number of tomatoes all at once.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are just prolific.
• How to fix/prevent it: Prune suckers regularly to keep the plant manageable. Make sure you have recipes ready, and share with your neighbors.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (like a target) on the lower leaves, spreading upward. The leaves eventually yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that loves warm, humid conditions. It spreads through soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy any affected leaves. Mulch around the plants to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant, and improve air circulation through pruning. You can also use a copper fungicide to slow the spread.

Texas Specific Challenges: The extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can make growing Sun Golds a bit tricky. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent cracking, but you also need to be mindful of fungal diseases that thrive in humid conditions. Mulching helps regulate soil moisture and temperature, but be sure to monitor your plants closely and take action quickly if you notice any problems. And keep an eye out for fire ants!

Companion planting can help your Sun Golds thrive here in Texas.

Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Plus, it improves the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots and parsley also work well, attracting beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are another good choice, as they deter nematodes in the soil.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your Sun Golds, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can shade your tomatoes too much, reducing fruit production.