How to Grow Crimson Gold Tomato

Crimson Gold Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Crimson Gold'

vegetable

Crimson Gold is a determinate cherry tomato variety prized for its deep red color, rich flavor, and compact growth habit. It produces abundant small, flavorful fruits on bushy plants that reach 3-4 feet tall. This variety is excellent for containers, small spaces, and those seeking early, reliable harvests.

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Example Crimson Gold Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Crimson Gold Tomato
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Crimson Gold Tomato
Around Jun 21

≈ 65 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crimson Gold Tomato dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best flavor)

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level in morning to reduce disease. More frequent watering needed in containers.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 65-75 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Plant seedlings deep; bury stem up to first true leaves (1-2 inches deeper than pot depth)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced fertilizer (5-10-10) Calcium (crushed eggshells or lime) to prevent blossom end rot

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown as annual in zones 3-4

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves, pale green color, delicate appearance

Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F temperature. Begin fertilizing with half-strength fertilizer at 3-4 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Bushy plants 6-12 inches tall with multiple branches forming compact mound. Dark green leaves, no flowers yet

Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting. Plant outdoors after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Support with small stakes or cages early. Pinch off lower leaves as plant grows. Water consistently.

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small yellow flowers appear in clusters (trusses). Plant reaches full height of 3-4 feet. Numerous side shoots developing

Provide consistent watering to prevent flower drop. Apply balanced or slightly lower nitrogen fertilizer (avoid excess nitrogen which reduces fruiting). Maintain support structure. Light pruning of lower foliage improves air circulation.

Fruiting

3-4 weeks

Marble-sized green fruits appear and begin ripening to deep crimson red. Multiple trusses of fruit at various stages of ripeness

Continue consistent watering with even moisture. Feed with balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer. Remove diseased leaves promptly. Ensure adequate sunlight reaches ripening fruit. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Harvest & Peak Production

4-8 weeks (until frost)

Abundant crimson red, full-flavored cherry tomatoes ready for picking. Plant continues producing until frost

Harvest ripe tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production. Pick when fully colored and slightly soft. Continue watering and feeding. Remove yellowed or diseased foliage. Harvest all fruit before first frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Borage Marigolds Nasturtiums Carrot Onion Cucumber Lettuce

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Potato Walnut trees Dill

Common Pests

Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitic wasps; check undersides of leaves regularly
Spray with insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; introduce parasitic wasps; reflective mulches deter them
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce predatory mites
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; water at soil level; mulch to prevent spore splash; use preventive fungicide if needed
Remove affected foliage immediately; ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply copper fungicide preventively in humid conditions

Uses

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Fresh eating & snacking

Culinary

Crimson Gold cherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, perfect for eating fresh off the vine or adding to salads. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking and lunch box packing. [source]

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Cooking & sauce making

Culinary

The rich flavor and natural acidity of Crimson Gold make them excellent for tomato sauces, salsas, and cooked dishes. Their small size requires minimal prep work. [source]

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Container gardening

Household

The compact determinate growth habit makes Crimson Gold ideal for growing in pots, hanging baskets, and small spaces. A single plant can produce 100+ fruits per season. [source]

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Nutritional & antioxidant value

Medicinal

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Cooking increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Tomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators essential for fruit set. Growing tomatoes supports beneficial insect populations in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pick tomatoes when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Crimson Gold ripens relatively early and uniformly. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Tomatoes picked at mature green stage will ripen indoors at room temperature if necessary. For best flavor, allow tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine. Harvest all remaining fruit before first frost—even slightly mature green tomatoes will ripen indoors.

Fun Facts

🌱 Crimson Gold was developed by Cornell University and is known for its disease resistance and reliability, making it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial producers.
🌱 This variety earned its name from its deep crimson-red color and golden-yellow undertones visible when held to light.
🌱 A single Crimson Gold plant can produce 100-200+ cherry tomatoes in a season, making it one of the most prolific determinate varieties available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Transplant True Leaves

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