Discover why Super Sweet 100 tomatoes have become the top choice for home gardeners seeking exceptional flavor and productivity. Developed by Johnny's Selected Seeds and introduced in 2014, this All-America Selections winner consistently outperforms other cherry tomatoes in taste tests while delivering garden-fresh sweetness you won't find in store-bought varieties.
What Makes Super Sweet 100 Stand Out From Other Cherry Tomatoes
Unlike standard cherry tomatoes that often sacrifice flavor for yield, Super Sweet 100 delivers both exceptional sugar content and impressive production. The secret lies in its carefully engineered genetics that balance high brix levels with robust disease resistance. While many cherry tomatoes succumb to common garden diseases, Super Sweet 100 maintains healthy foliage and consistent production throughout the growing season.
| Variety | Brix Level | Disease Resistance | Days to Maturity | Yield Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Sweet 100 | 9.0-9.5 | Fusarium wilt 1-2, TSWV | 60-65 | Very High |
| Sun Gold | 9.0-9.3 | None | 57-60 | High |
| Black Cherry | 8.5-9.0 | None | 65-70 | Moderate |
| Isis Candy | 8.0-8.5 | Fusarium wilt 1-2 | 65 | High |
According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Super Sweet 100 maintains consistent sugar levels even during temperature fluctuations that typically reduce sweetness in other varieties (UC ANR, 2023). This stability makes it particularly valuable for gardeners in regions with variable summer conditions.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide for Maximum Results
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin Super Sweet 100 seeds 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F using a heat mat for optimal germination, which typically occurs within 5-10 days. Use a sterile seed starting mix in 3-4 inch pots to prevent damping-off disease. Keep seedlings under strong grow lights for 14-16 hours daily, positioning lights 2-3 inches above plants to prevent legginess.
Transplanting to Garden or Containers
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. For container growing, select pots at least 18 inches in diameter with adequate drainage. When planting, bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves to encourage additional root development along the buried stem.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
Consistent moisture is critical for preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent shallow watering, aiming for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture. Begin fertilizing two weeks after transplanting with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, switching to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula when flowering begins.
Support and Pruning Techniques
As an indeterminate variety, Super Sweet 100 requires substantial support. Use Florida weave, cattle panels, or strong tomato cages that reach 6-7 feet tall. Remove suckers below the first fruit cluster to direct energy toward production, but allow multiple main stems above this point for maximum yield. Never remove more than one-third of the foliage at any time to prevent sunscald.
Managing Common Challenges
While Super Sweet 100 offers excellent disease resistance compared to many cherry tomatoes, proper cultural practices remain essential. The Cornell University Vegetable Disease Diagnostic Clinic notes that even resistant varieties can develop issues when stressed by improper watering or nutrition (Cornell Plant Clinic, 2024).
Disease Prevention Strategies
- Rotate planting locations every 3 years to reduce soil-borne pathogens
- Water at soil level in morning to allow foliage to dry before evening
- Remove lower leaves that touch soil to prevent splash-borne diseases
- Apply preventative fungicide sprays during periods of high humidity
Pest Management
Hornworms and aphids pose the greatest threat. Hand-pick hornworms early in the morning when they're most active. For aphids, spray with insecticidal soap every 5-7 days until controlled. Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion flowers like marigolds and alyssum near your tomatoes.
Harvesting for Peak Flavor
Pick Super Sweet 100 tomatoes when they've developed full color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. The fruit should detach easily from the vine with a slight twist. For maximum sweetness, harvest in late morning after dew has dried but before afternoon heat. Never refrigerate tomatoes, as temperatures below 55°F destroy flavor compounds. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
According to USDA Agricultural Research Service studies, tomatoes allowed to fully ripen on the vine contain up to 30% more lycopene and 20% higher sugar content than those harvested early (USDA ARS, 2022). This biochemical advantage makes patience during harvest worthwhile for superior flavor.
Yield Expectations and Storage Tips
A single Super Sweet 100 plant typically produces 10-15 pounds of fruit over a growing season. Expect the first harvest approximately 60-65 days after transplanting, with production continuing until frost. For extended harvest, pick fruit at the breaker stage (when color first begins to change) and allow to ripen indoors at 65-70°F.
When faced with end-of-season abundance, preserve your harvest by freezing whole tomatoes on baking sheets before transferring to containers, or make quick cherry tomato confit by roasting with olive oil, garlic, and herbs at 250°F for 2 hours.
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