Sun Sugar Tomato: Complete Growing Guide & Characteristics

Sun Sugar tomatoes are exceptionally sweet orange cherry tomatoes known for their high sugar content (Brix level of 9.3+), disease resistance, and reliable productivity. These non-GMO, open-pollinated tomatoes reach maturity in 65 days, produce 1-2 inch fruits, and thrive in USDA zones 3-10 with proper support and full sun exposure.

Why Gardeners Are Choosing Sun Sugar Tomatoes

When you're selecting tomato varieties for your garden, Sun Sugar consistently ranks among the top cherry tomato choices for home growers. Developed by Seminis Vegetable Seeds and introduced in 2005, this orange variety has earned recognition from the All-America Selections (AAS) for its exceptional flavor and garden performance.

Unlike many cherry tomatoes that sacrifice disease resistance for sweetness, Sun Sugar offers both. Its high Brix level (measuring sugar content) of 9.3+ delivers remarkable sweetness without compromising on plant health. The fruits maintain their signature orange color when fully ripe, making harvest timing unmistakable.

Understanding Sun Sugar Tomato Characteristics

Before planting, understanding what makes Sun Sugar tomatoes unique helps you maximize your growing success. These tomatoes aren't just another cherry variety—they represent a specific breeding achievement that balances multiple desirable traits.

Characteristic	Sun Sugar	Sweet Million	Black Cherry
Color when ripe	Orange	Red	Black-purple
Brix (sugar level)	9.3+	9.0	8.5
Disease resistance	Fusarium wilt, Tomato spotted wilt virus	Fusarium wilt	None notable
Days to maturity	65	62	65
Fruit size	1-2 inches	1 inch	1 inch

Your Sun Sugar Tomato Growing Timeline

Successful Sun Sugar cultivation follows a predictable progression when you understand the variety's development stages. Unlike some tomatoes that have inconsistent ripening patterns, Sun Sugar follows a reliable timeline that helps you plan your garden activities.

According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), Sun Sugar tomatoes progress through these key stages:

• Days 1-7: Seed germination (optimal soil temperature 70-80°F)
• Days 21-28: Transplant readiness (when seedlings have 3-4 true leaves)
• Days 45-50: First flowering begins
• Days 60-65: First harvest-ready fruits appear
• Days 65-90: Peak production period
• Days 90-120: Continued production with proper care

Planting Your Sun Sugar Tomatoes for Maximum Yield

Getting your Sun Sugar tomatoes off to the right start determines your entire growing season's success. These plants thrive with specific planting conditions that differ slightly from standard tomato varieties.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Sun Sugar seedlings need consistent moisture but dislike soggy conditions—use a well-draining seed starting mix. When transplanting outdoors, wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F at 6-inch depth.

Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Unlike determinate varieties, Sun Sugar is indeterminate, meaning it grows continuously throughout the season and requires substantial support. Use sturdy cages or trellising systems that can handle mature plants reaching 6-8 feet tall.

Essential Care Practices During Growing Season

Maintaining healthy Sun Sugar plants requires attention to specific care practices that maximize their disease resistance and productivity.

Water deeply 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent shallow watering. Target the soil rather than leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch after soil warms to conserve moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto leaves.

Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer when first flowers appear, then every 3-4 weeks. Sun Sugar responds well to calcium supplementation—add crushed eggshells or calcium-rich fertilizer to prevent blossom end rot, especially during fruit set.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Sun Sugar Tomatoes

Knowing exactly when to harvest Sun Sugar tomatoes ensures you experience their peak sweetness. These tomatoes display clear visual indicators of ripeness that differ from red varieties.

Harvest when fruits turn uniform orange with no green shoulders. Unlike some tomatoes that continue ripening after picking, Sun Sugar achieves maximum sweetness when vine-ripened. Gently twist fruits from stems rather than pulling to avoid damaging plants.

Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration diminishes flavor—only refrigerate if you must extend shelf life beyond 3-4 days. Sun Sugar tomatoes excel in fresh applications where their sweetness shines: salads, snacking, or quick sautés.

Troubleshooting Common Sun Sugar Growing Challenges

Even with their disease resistance, Sun Sugar tomatoes can face specific challenges. Understanding these issues helps you address problems before they impact your harvest.

Blossom drop: Occurs when nighttime temperatures exceed 75°F or drop below 55°F. Maintain consistent moisture and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.

Cracking: Caused by irregular watering after dry periods. Maintain consistent soil moisture with mulch and deep, infrequent watering.

Leaf spot diseases: Though resistant to many diseases, Sun Sugar can develop fungal issues in humid conditions. Improve air circulation with proper spacing and avoid overhead watering.

How long do Sun Sugar tomatoes take to mature from seed?

Sun Sugar tomatoes take approximately 65 days from transplanting to first harvest. When growing from seed, add 6-8 weeks for seed starting indoors, making the total time from seed to harvest about 11-12 weeks.

Are Sun Sugar tomatoes disease resistant?

Yes, Sun Sugar tomatoes have excellent disease resistance, particularly against Fusarium wilt (races 1 and 2) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). This makes them more reliable than many other cherry tomato varieties in disease-prone gardens.

Why are my Sun Sugar tomatoes not as sweet as expected?

Sun Sugar sweetness depends on proper ripening, consistent watering, and adequate sunlight. Harvest only when fully orange, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, and ensure plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water stress during fruit development can also reduce sugar content.

Can I save seeds from Sun Sugar tomatoes for next year?

Yes, Sun Sugar is an open-pollinated variety, so seeds will produce plants true to type. To save seeds, select fully ripe fruits, ferment the seeds for 3-5 days, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing in a cool, dark place.