Sun Sugar Tomato vs Sungold – or Sungold – is the most talked about topic among many gardeners, farmers, and even hobbyists because of their remarkable taste and highly similar characteristics.
Nevertheless, these two cherry tomato varieties still have unique characteristics that differentiate them from one another, and this is what we are going to find out.
By reading this article, you will discover the differences and advantages of each variety. This will help you decide which of these two prestigious cherry tomatoes you truly desire to grow.
| Features | Sun Sugar | Sungold |
| Taste | Sweet and juicy but slightly acidic | Sweet without any taste of acidity |
| Color | Orange at their best | Orange colored (never turns red) |
| Skin | Slightly thick skin (split resistant) | Thin and delicate skin (prone to splitting) |
| Disease Immunity | Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and Verticillium wilt (V) | Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Verticillium wilt (V), and Fusarium wilt (F) |
| Fruit Size | 1 inch | 1.0 to 1.5 inches |
| Fruit Weight | 1 to 1.5 ounces | 1 to 2 ounces |
| Plant Height | 48 inches tall | 40 to 60 inches tall |
Contents
- What Are the Differences Between Sun Sugar and Sungold?
- What Are the Characteristics of Sun Sugar Tomatoes?
- Characteristics of Sungold Tomatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- – Are Sungold Tomatoes Sweeter Than Sun Sugar Varieties?
- – Can I Plant Both Sun Sugar and Sungold Varieties at the Same Time?
- – When Should I Plant Sun Sugars and Sungolds?
- – Can I Plant Sun Sugars and Sungolds With Other Varieties of Tomatoes?
- – Are Sun Sugars and Sungolds Indeterminate?
- – How Long Does It Take Sun Sugar and Sungold Tomatoes To Ripen?
- Conclusion
- References
What Are the Differences Between Sun Sugar and Sungold?
The differences between Sun Sugar and Sungold cherry tomatoes are very subtle, but you can differentiate them with just a little careful observation. Their appearance differs according to timing, and one being more prone to splitting are just a few examples.
What Are the Characteristics of Sun Sugar Tomatoes?
The characteristics of Sun Sugar tomatoes are that they have a complex taste, it has a stronger skin than the Sungold and they have different colors.
They are also a different size and weight. The Sun Sugar tomato variety matures quite early.
– Taste
Both of these tomatoes have a sweet taste, but Sun Sugar tomatoes have more complex flavors. Sun Sugar tomatoes have a slightly acidic taste that maintains a balance with the sweetness. Sungold tomatoes are completely sweet, without a touch of acidity.
– Color
Sun Sugar tomatoes can be identified for being uniform in their shape as well as color. They usually appear round in terms of shape, and have a smooth surface and a deep red color. Despite their similarities, Sungold tomatoes appear to have a more oval outline and a brighter orange-red color.
– Skin
You can say that both of these tomatoes have thin skin, but the skin of Sungold tomatoes is more sensitive and thus has a higher risk of splitting when fully ripe. The Sun Sugar tomato, on the other hand, has a slightly thicker skin than the Sungold tomato.
– Disease Immunity
This variety is quite resistant to the Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium Wilt, which plague most tomato plants. Aside from these diseases, the Sun Sugar variety is also immune to the root-knot nematode.
These parasites are known to attack the roots of various plants, including tomatoes. As a result, infected roots cause the development of irregular round galls that can become distorted if left untreated.
– Fruit Size
The Sun Sugar variety produces deliciously sweet fruits that are about an inch in diameter. As a result, this variety is a popular addition to many salads because it basically requires no slicing or cutting.
– Fruit Weight
A tomato fruit weighs about 1 to 1.5 ounces. Don’t let the small size fool you. On average, the Sun Sugar variety can produce up to 50 fruits per cluster.
– Plant Height
The Sun Sugar variety can grow up to 48 inches, or 4 feet, tall on average, although some can grow up to 6 to 7 feet. Granted, you’ll need to have supports on them, such as trellises when they grow tall. Once fully supported, your plant can grow large unless you prune it.
– Plant Exposure
This variety needs to be grown in full sunlight.
It also needs space to spread out in and will not appreciate being boxed in.
– Nutrition
Like any other cherry tomato, Sun Sugar tomatoes come with anti-oxidants and vitamins like potassium, carotenoid lycopene, and vitamins A and B. These sun sugar tomatoes contain a low level of calories and a good supply of minerals and fiber.
Characteristics of Sungold Tomatoes
The characteristics of Sungold tomatoes are that they are a bit taller but with sweeter fruits, that when picked ripe they are very sweet, they are – as their name suggests – a golden color and are resistant to many diseases that strike tomato plants.
– Taste
Sungold varieties are quite interesting when it comes to taste. When picked and used just before ripening, the taste is slightly tart. As it ripens, the tartness is slowly replaced by sweetness. Once the fruit fully ripens, you can expect the sugar level to be similar to candies.
– Color
There’s a reason why this variety is called Sungold. It comes in gold, yellow, and orange hues. This makes them especially good for cooking as the colors are pleasing to look at.
– Skin
The Sungold variety has thinner and more delicate skin than the Sun Sugar. When the Sungold tomato skin splits, it is a sign that the plant has started to become dehydrated and needs watering. However, you can prevent this by adding mulch on top of the soil to help keep moisture in the ground.
– Disease Immunity
Similar to the Sun Sugar varieties, the Sungold has been proven to be resistant to most diseases that attack tomato plants. These include Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium wilt. However, this variety can be prone to late blight, so keep your plant from becoming overly wet when planted outdoors.
– Fruit Size
The fruits of the Sun Sugar plant can grow up to 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is typical of most cherry tomatoes, making them perfect as quick snacks..
– Fruit Weight
The fruit of this tomato variety weighs around 1 to 2 ounces. Similar to the Sun Sugar variety, the size of the fruit can easily fool gardeners into thinking that the harvest will be small. A fully mature plant can produce up to 15 fruits in a cluster.
– Plant Height
On average, the Sungold variety can grow up to 40 to 60 inches tall.
However, some gardeners have found that by encouraging better fertilization and growing conditions, Sungold plants can reach 6 to 7 feet in height.
– Plant Exposure
This variety needs full sunlight and moist soil. Plant them 3 to 4 feet apart to give them chance to spread out.
– Nutrition
If we are going to talk about being a great source of vitamin C, the Sungold cherry tomato is definitely one to consider because it comes with anti-oxidants and potassium that help control blood pressure and keep the fluids at normal body levels.
The variety also has beta-carotene that converts into vitamin A, which keeps your heart healthy and free from any free radicals that can damage your cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Are Sungold Tomatoes Sweeter Than Sun Sugar Varieties?
Sungold varieties tend to be sweeter than Sun Sugar with a less acidic aftertaste. However, some people prefer the Sun Sugar variety since it has a more complex taste. Aside from the taste, Sun Sugar varieties tend to have a meatier texture and thicker skin.
– Can I Plant Both Sun Sugar and Sungold Varieties at the Same Time?
You can plant Sun Sugar and Sungold varieties at the same time – both are cherry tomatoes. As relatives of the same cultivars, they will grow well with each other and may cross-pollinate. Most tomato plants are self-pollinating, so you don’t have to worry about creating new cultivars.
However, you should not plant them too closely. They can develop issues, such as late blight, caused by a fungus.
– When Should I Plant Sun Sugars and Sungolds?
You should plant Sun Sugars and Sungolds during the spring. This is the ideal time since this is the start of the warmer season, and frost is no longer a threat. Frost may kill these plants and at the very least damage them.
On the other hand, you can start growing seeds indoors four to six weeks prior to your area’s last expected frost date. Once the seedlings have grown around 6 inches tall with several sets of true leaves, you can plant them outside.
– Can I Plant Sun Sugars and Sungolds With Other Varieties of Tomatoes?
There are some concerns that tomato varieties planted together or near each other will be harmful to both in terms of pests and diseases. While there are valid reasons, some gardeners have successfully grown different varieties of tomatoes together.
Of course, you’ll need to do a bit of research first when it comes to the specific cultivar you plan to cultivate. Aside from that, you may need to understand the importance of growing specific types of plants that can help protect your tomato plants from pests or diseases.
– Are Sun Sugars and Sungolds Indeterminate?
Most cherry tomatoes are indeterminate.
This means that they have a large sprawling habit when they grow, which requires regular pruning. Aside from this, indeterminate plants need support as they grow.
– How Long Does It Take Sun Sugar and Sungold Tomatoes To Ripen?
Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes take approximately 65 days from their seedling stage to fully mature and ripen. The harvest season for both varieties takes about 12 to 14 weeks, with healthy plants producing hundreds of fruits each.
Both varieties are cultivars of cherry tomatoes, which are ready to harvest early. Given that they are so similar, they have the same, or at least very close, growing, flowering, ripening, and harvesting times.
Conclusion
Sun Sugar tomatoes are great options if you’re looking to harvest fruits that have more complex tastes and textures. On the other hand, Sungold varieties are wonderful additions to dishes that require sweet tomatoes to complement the overall flavor of the dish.
If you want to grow Sun Sugar or the Sungold variety, you should make sure that they are well-spaced together. That way, when harvest time comes, you can enjoy both varieties in all of your dishes!
References
- https://www.sunset.com/garden/best-cherry-tomatoes?fbclid=IwAR1MejPJAtCYmGj9RE68bR9ZGU0Oxj_OfCjDBWvgbBLegzxF1H-cwJWkaBs#cherry-gold
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agmtomatoes.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3LTq2gl5RpNB4M1cWXvvOlomtBDkkftLVULOL3ol3u5kt7Wp1ztEjXUQo
- 25 Kalanchoe Types and Colorful Varieties for Your Garden - October 3, 2023
- 17 Hawaiian Flowers That Grow and Thrive in the Hot Summer - October 2, 2023
- Watering a Poinsettia and How is it Done Correctly? - September 30, 2023
