Super Sweet 100 Tomatoes: Complete Growing Guide & Tips

Super Sweet 100 tomatoes produce exceptionally sweet, crack-resistant cherry tomatoes on vigorous indeterminate vines, yielding abundant crops from mid-summer through first frost when provided with proper support, consistent watering, and full sun exposure.

Discover why Super Sweet 100 has become the go-to cherry tomato variety for home gardeners seeking reliable, high-yielding plants that deliver exceptional sweetness without compromising disease resistance. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to grow these award-winning tomatoes successfully, whether you're a first-time gardener or seasoned tomato enthusiast.

Why Super Sweet 100 Stands Out Among Cherry Tomatoes

Super Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes consistently earn top ratings from gardeners and taste testers alike for their perfect balance of sugar and acidity. Unlike many cherry varieties that sacrifice flavor for yield, these tomatoes deliver both in abundance. Each vine produces clusters of 1-1.5 inch fruits that ripen to a brilliant red with exceptionally thin skins and minimal cracking.

Developed by breeding experts at Johnny's Selected Seeds, this hybrid variety (Solanum lycopersicum) earned the 2014 All-America Selections award for its superior performance in home gardens. The plants grow vigorously as indeterminates, reaching 6-8 feet tall when properly supported, and continue producing until the first frost.

Variety	Days to Maturity	Disease Resistance	Flavor Profile	Yield Potential
Super Sweet 100	64-70 days	Fusarium wilt (races 1-2), Verticillium wilt, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus	Exceptionally sweet (Brix 9-10), balanced acidity	Very high (continuous production)
Sun Gold	57-65 days	Fusarium wilt (race 2)	Tropical, apricot-like sweetness	High
Black Cherry	65-75 days	None documented	Complex, wine-like with earthy notes	Moderate
Isis Candy	65 days	None documented	Sweet with mild acidity	Moderate

This comparison shows why Super Sweet 100 stands out for home gardeners seeking reliable production with excellent disease resistance. According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, varieties with documented resistance to Fusarium and Verticillium wilt typically show 30-50% higher survival rates in soils where these pathogens are present (UC ANR).

Optimal Growing Conditions for Maximum Flavor

Super Sweet 100 tomatoes thrive in conditions that balance consistent moisture with adequate warmth. These plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop their signature sweetness. While they tolerate various soil types, they perform best in well-draining soil amended with organic matter.

Unlike determinate varieties that produce one large crop, Super Sweet 100's indeterminate growth habit means they'll continue setting fruit throughout the season. This continuous production requires steady nutrient availability. Incorporate balanced organic fertilizer at planting time, then supplement with calcium-rich amendments to prevent blossom end rot.

Planting and Early Season Care

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Maintain soil temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C) for optimal germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F (13°C) and after hardening off for 7-10 days.

When planting, bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves to encourage stronger root development. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation. Install sturdy support systems at planting time—these vigorous vines require substantial support as they mature.

Watering and Nutrient Management

Consistent moisture is critical for preventing fruit cracking and maximizing sweetness. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week, preferably in the morning, aiming for the base of plants rather than overhead watering. Mulch with 2-3 inches of organic material to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

During fruit set and development, switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer to enhance flavor development. Avoid excessive nitrogen once flowering begins, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Regularly monitor plants for signs of calcium deficiency, which appears as blossom end rot on developing fruits.

Pruning and Support Techniques

Proper pruning significantly increases fruit quality and reduces disease risk. For Super Sweet 100, we recommend the Missouri pruning technique:

• Allow 1-2 main leaders to develop
• Remove all suckers below the first fruit cluster
• Prune suckers above fruit clusters to just one leaf
• Remove yellowing or diseased leaves promptly

Use tall, sturdy cages or trellis systems that accommodate the plant's 6-8 foot height. The Florida weave method works particularly well for rows of Super Sweet 100, providing flexible support as plants grow taller throughout the season.

Harvesting for Peak Flavor

Harvest Super Sweet 100 tomatoes when they've developed full, uniform color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. The fruits should detach easily from the vine with a slight twist. For best flavor, pick in the morning after dew has dried but before midday heat.

Unlike some varieties that continue ripening off the vine, Super Sweet 100 achieves optimal sweetness when allowed to ripen fully on the plant. However, if frost threatens, you can pick mature green fruits and allow them to ripen indoors at room temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Growing Challenges

Even with their excellent disease resistance, Super Sweet 100 plants may encounter these common issues:

Fruit Cracking

Caused by inconsistent watering after dry periods. Prevent by maintaining even soil moisture and applying mulch. If cracking occurs, harvest affected fruits immediately to prevent pest attraction.

Blossom End Rot

Calcium deficiency often triggered by irregular watering. Maintain consistent moisture and apply calcium spray during fruit set. Remove affected fruits to redirect plant energy.

Early Blight

Identified by concentric rings on lower leaves. Prevent by watering at soil level, removing affected leaves promptly, and applying copper-based fungicides as needed. Rotate crops annually to reduce soil-borne pathogens.

Storing and Enjoying Your Harvest

For peak flavor, store Super Sweet 100 tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration diminishes flavor compounds and alters texture. Use within 3-5 days of harvest for best quality.

These exceptionally sweet tomatoes shine in fresh applications where their flavor can be appreciated:

• Add whole to salads for bursts of sweetness
• Roast at low temperature (250°F) for 45-60 minutes to concentrate flavors
• Create vibrant salsas with minimal added sugar
• Thread onto skewers for colorful kebabs
• Enjoy fresh as a healthy snack straight from the vine

How long does it take for Super Sweet 100 tomatoes to mature?

Super Sweet 100 tomatoes typically reach maturity in 64-70 days from transplanting. The first fruits usually appear about 8-10 weeks after planting seeds indoors, with continuous production throughout the growing season until first frost.

Do Super Sweet 100 tomatoes need pruning?

Yes, Super Sweet 100 benefits significantly from pruning. As an indeterminate variety, it grows continuously and requires pruning to 1-2 main leaders using the Missouri pruning technique. Remove suckers below the first fruit cluster completely and prune upper suckers to one leaf to improve air circulation, increase fruit size, and reduce disease risk.

Why are my Super Sweet 100 tomatoes cracking?

Cracking in Super Sweet 100 tomatoes typically occurs due to inconsistent watering, especially after dry periods followed by heavy rain or irrigation. Maintain even soil moisture through regular deep watering and mulching. These tomatoes are naturally crack-resistant compared to other cherry varieties, but dramatic moisture fluctuations can still cause splitting.

How much space do Super Sweet 100 tomato plants need?

Super Sweet 100 plants require substantial space due to their vigorous indeterminate growth. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart. Each plant needs a sturdy support system that accommodates 6-8 feet of vertical growth. Proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes healthy growth.

Are Super Sweet 100 tomatoes disease resistant?

Yes, Super Sweet 100 has excellent disease resistance, including protection against Fusarium wilt (races 1-2), Verticillium wilt, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. This makes it particularly suitable for gardens with soil-borne disease history. However, it's still susceptible to common tomato pests and some fungal diseases, so proper cultural practices remain important for optimal plant health.