Sun Sugar: The Sweetest Cherry Tomato Variety Revealed

Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes consistently rank as the sweetest variety with Brix levels of 9-10, delivering exceptional candy-like sweetness balanced with perfect acidity. This orange-gold variety outperforms other cherry tomatoes in taste tests and awards, making it the top choice for gardeners seeking maximum sweetness in their harvest.

When you're searching for the sweetest cherry tomato to grow in your garden, you're not just looking for a pretty fruit—you want that explosive burst of sugar that makes backyard tomatoes so special. After analyzing agricultural studies, taste tests, and gardener feedback from across North America, one variety consistently rises to the top: Sun Sugar. This orange-gold cherry tomato delivers remarkable sweetness that even surprises experienced gardeners.

What Makes a Cherry Tomato Sweet?

Sweetness in tomatoes is measured by Brix levels, which indicate sugar content. Most standard cherry tomatoes register between 5-7 Brix, while varieties considered "exceptionally sweet" reach 8 Brix or higher. The magic happens through a combination of genetics and growing conditions:

• Genetic factors—Certain varieties naturally produce more sugars
• Sun exposure—Eight or more hours of direct sunlight boosts sugar production
• Water management—Slightly stressing plants during fruit development increases sweetness
• Ripeness—Fully vine-ripened tomatoes contain maximum sugars

According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, "sugar accumulation in tomatoes is directly correlated with sunlight exposure and temperature fluctuations between day and night." Their studies show that optimal growing conditions can increase Brix levels by 15-20% in sweet varieties.

Top Cherry Tomato Varieties by Sweetness

Variety	Brix Level	Flavor Profile	Days to Maturity	Disease Resistance
Sun Sugar	9-10	Exceptional sweetness with balanced acidity	65	VFN, TSWV
Golden Sweet	8.5-9	Honey-like sweetness, golden color	70	VFNT
Isis Candy	8-8.5	Complex sweet-tart flavor, multicolored	65	None
Black Cherry	7.5-8	Rich, complex sweetness with earthy notes	70	VF
Juliet	7-7.5	Sweet with traditional tomato flavor	60	VFNT

Data sourced from University of California Urban Horticulture Institute variety trials (2023) and Cornell University Vegetable Program taste tests.

Why Sun Sugar Reigns Supreme

Developed by Takii Seed Company and introduced to home gardeners after winning the All-America Selections (AAS) award in 2005, Sun Sugar wasn't bred specifically for sweetness but consistently outperforms dedicated sweet varieties in blind taste tests. The AAS organization noted in their evaluation that "Sun Sugar's flavor is remarkably sweet without being cloying, with a perfect balance of sugar and acid that makes it stand out in every tasting panel."

Gardeners across USDA zones 3-10 report similar experiences. A sentiment analysis of 1,200 gardener reviews from the National Gardening Association shows 87% specifically mentioned "sweetest I've ever grown" or similar praise for Sun Sugar, significantly higher than other varieties.

Growing Sun Sugar for Maximum Sweetness

Even the sweetest variety needs proper care to reach its sugar potential. Here's what experienced growers recommend:

Soil Preparation

Mix 3-4 inches of compost into your planting area and add kelp meal for trace minerals. Sun Sugar prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8). Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit sweetness.

Watering Strategy

Consistent moisture is crucial early in the season, but during fruit development, allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. This mild stress triggers increased sugar production. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends "reducing water by 10-15% during the ripening phase to concentrate sugars without damaging the plant."

Sun Exposure

Plant where tomatoes will receive 8-10 hours of direct sunlight. In cooler climates, position plants to take advantage of reflected heat from walls or fences. Sun Sugar needs abundant sunlight to develop its characteristic sweetness.

Harvest Timing Matters

The moment you pick your Sun Sugar tomatoes dramatically affects their sweetness. Unlike some varieties that continue ripening off the vine, Sun Sugar reaches peak sugar content when fully colored but still slightly firm.

"Harvest in the late morning after dew has dried but before afternoon heat," advises Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, horticulture extension specialist at Washington State University. "This timing captures peak sugar levels before heat causes respiration that burns through sugars."

When Sun Sugar Might Not Be Your Best Choice

While Sun Sugar reigns supreme for sweetness, it has some limitations to consider:

• Short shelf life—Extremely sweet tomatoes often have thinner skins and don't store as long
• Cracking potential—After heavy rain, the thin skin may crack as fruit rapidly absorbs water
• Not ideal for cooking—The high sugar content can caramelize too quickly when roasted

If you need tomatoes for sauces or long-term storage, consider growing Sun Sugar alongside a more versatile variety like Juliet for culinary flexibility.

Best Uses for Ultra-Sweet Cherry Tomatoes

Sun Sugar's exceptional sweetness shines when eaten fresh. Try these approaches to maximize flavor:

• Simple preparations—Toss with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil
• Cold soups—Blend with cucumber for a refreshing gazpacho
• Salad centerpiece—Let them be the star rather than just an addition
• Quick pickling—The natural sweetness balances vinegar beautifully

Avoid cooking methods that require long simmering, which diminishes their delicate sweetness. If roasting, keep temperatures below 300°F and watch carefully to prevent caramelization.

What is the sweetest cherry tomato variety for home gardens?

Sun Sugar consistently ranks as the sweetest cherry tomato variety for home gardens, with Brix levels of 9-10. This orange-gold variety outperforms other cherry tomatoes in taste tests and awards, delivering exceptional candy-like sweetness balanced with perfect acidity.

How can I increase the sweetness of my cherry tomatoes?

To increase cherry tomato sweetness: ensure 8-10 hours of direct sunlight, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during fruit development, maintain slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8), and harvest in late morning when sugar content peaks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit sweetness.

Why is my Sun Sugar tomato not as sweet as expected?

Sun Sugar tomatoes may lack expected sweetness due to insufficient sunlight, overwatering during ripening, harvesting too early or too late, or growing in soil with improper pH. They require 8-10 hours of direct sun, slightly stressed watering during fruit development, and should be harvested when fully colored but still firm for maximum sweetness.

How do I measure tomato sweetness at home?

While professional Brix measurement requires a refractometer, you can assess tomato sweetness at home by comparing flavor intensity to known sweet varieties. The most reliable method is taste testing fully vine-ripened fruit in the late morning when sugar content peaks. True sweetness should be balanced with acidity, not just one-dimensional sugar taste.