Posted by TJ Hopkins on Apr 1st 2026
How to Grow Sungold Tomato Seeds
Sun Gold tomatoes are one of the most popular cherry tomato varieties grown from seed. Gardeners love them for their incredibly sweet flavor, bright orange color, and heavy yields. These vigorous plants can produce hundreds of bite-size tomatoes throughout the growing season.
If you start seeds correctly, Sun Gold tomatoes are easy to grow and extremely productive, whether planted in garden beds, raised beds, or large containers.
Why Grow Sun Gold Tomatoes?
Sun Gold tomatoes are a favorite among home gardeners for several reasons:
- Extremely sweet, tropical flavor
- High-yielding cherry tomato plants
- Fast-growing and vigorous
- Perfect for snacking, salads, and fresh eating
- Produces fruit continuously through summer
These plants are indeterminate tomatoes, meaning they grow and produce fruit all season long until frost.
When to Start Sun Gold Tomato Seeds
Start Sun Gold tomato seeds 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
For gardeners in colder climates like Vermont, seeds are typically started indoors in late March to early April, then transplanted outside after the last frost in mid-to-late May.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Sun Gold Tomatoes from Seed
1. Prepare Seed Starting Containers
Use:
- Seed trays
- Small pots
- Biodegradable peat pots
Fill containers with light seed-starting soil mix, which drains well and allows delicate roots to develop.
2. Plant the Seeds
Plant Sun Gold tomato seeds:
- Depth: about ¼ inch deep
- Spacing: 1–2 inches apart in trays
- Water lightly after planting
Tomato seeds need warm soil to germinate, ideally around 70–80°F (21–27°C).
3. Provide Warmth and Light
Place seedlings in a warm location and provide strong light:
- Sunny window or
- LED grow lights (12–16 hours daily)
Seeds usually germinate within 5–10 days.
4. Keep Soil Moist
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
A spray bottle or gentle watering helps avoid disturbing tiny seedlings.
5. Thin or Transplant Seedlings
Once seedlings develop 2–3 sets of true leaves, thin them or transplant into larger pots.
When transplanting, bury the stem slightly deeper — tomatoes grow roots along the buried stem, creating stronger plants.
6. Harden Off Before Planting Outdoors
About 7–10 days before transplanting, begin hardening off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Start with:
- 1–2 hours of outdoor shade
- Slowly increase sunlight and exposure each day
This prevents transplant shock.
7. Transplant Into the Garden
Plant Sun Gold tomatoes outside when:
- Soil temperature is above 60°F
- Frost danger has passed
Spacing:
- 24–36 inches apart
Add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil for best growth.
Supporting Sun Gold Tomato Plants
Sun Gold tomatoes grow tall and vigorous, often reaching 6–8 feet.
Provide support using:
- Tomato cages
- Stakes
- Trellises
Supporting plants keeps fruit off the ground and improves airflow.
Watering and Fertilizing
For healthy plants and maximum fruit production:
- Water deeply 1–2 times per week
- Avoid watering leaves to prevent disease
- Feed plants every 2–3 weeks with tomato fertilizer
Consistent watering helps prevent fruit cracking and blossom end rot.
When Sun Gold Tomatoes Are Ready to Harvest
Sun Gold tomatoes are ready when they turn deep golden-orange and slightly soft.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruit production.
Many gardeners find Sun Gold tomatoes are so sweet they rarely make it to the kitchen — they’re eaten right off the vine!
Common Problems When Growing Sun Gold Tomatoes
Watch for:
- Aphids
- Tomato hornworms
- Blossom end rot
- Leaf spot diseases
Good airflow, proper spacing, and consistent watering help prevent most problems.
Final Tips for Growing Sun Gold Tomatoes
- Start seeds indoors early
- Provide plenty of light
- Support plants with cages or stakes
- Harvest frequently for the best flavor
With the right care, a single Sun Gold tomato plant can produce hundreds of delicious cherry tomatoes all summer long.