How to Grow Early Sunglow Tomato

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Early Sunglow Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Sunglow'

vegetable

Early Sunglow is a determinate heirloom tomato variety prized for its early maturity and sweet, vibrant orange-red fruits. It produces medium-sized fruits (4-6 oz) on compact, bushy plants that reach 3-4 feet tall. This variety is ideal for short-season growing regions and container gardening.

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Example Early Sunglow Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Early Sunglow Tomato
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Early Sunglow Tomato
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

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

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Water: Consistent moisture of 1-2 inches per week; drip irrigation or soaker hoses preferred to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Water deeply but avoid waterlogging. Mulch to retain moisture.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants in rows 30-36 inches apart; or 12-18 inches in containers (5-gallon minimum) inches

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Days to maturity: 60-65 days from transplant to first harvest

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplant seedlings at their first true leaf depth or deeper (they develop roots along buried stems)

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (5-10-10) calcium (crushed eggshells or lime to prevent blossom end rot)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-9; particularly excellent in zones 4-6 due to early maturity (60-65 days)

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling

6-8 weeks

Seed germinates in 5-10 days under warm conditions (70-80°F). Seedlings develop true leaves and establish root systems.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Maintain soil moisture; provide bright light (grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings). Keep soil at 70-80°F. Thin to strongest seedlings.

Transplant Hardening

7-10 days

Seedlings develop 3-4 true leaves and strengthen before outdoor planting.

Gradually expose plants to outdoor light and cooler temperatures over 7-10 days. Reduce watering slightly to toughen foliage. Plant out after last frost date when soil reaches 60°F minimum.

Vegetative/Establishment

3-4 weeks

Young transplants establish in garden, growing larger, developing more leaves and side shoots. Plants are 6-12 inches tall.

Water consistently, keep soil evenly moist. Support with stakes or cages early. Remove lower leaves once plant is 12+ inches tall to improve air circulation. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive foliage.

Flowering & Fruit Set

2-3 weeks

Yellow flowers appear in clusters. Fruit begins setting; small green fruits are visible.

Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Apply balanced fertilizer (lower nitrogen). Ensure adequate calcium. Prune excessive foliage only to prevent disease, not to increase sun exposure to developing fruit.

Ripening & Harvest

2-3 weeks of continuous harvest

Fruits enlarge and change color from green to orange-red. Fruits reach 4-6 oz at full maturity and develop full sweetness.

Continue consistent watering through ripening. Early Sunglow matures rapidly; begin harvesting when fruits are fully colored but still slightly firm (full vine ripeness optional for peak flavor). Pick mature fruit to encourage new flower development.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Carrots Marigolds Nasturtiums Onions Garlic Borage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) Fennel Potatoes Kohlrabi

Common Pests

Handpick (check undersides of foliage); encourage parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if needed
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or sulfur; ensure adequate irrigation
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches
Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicide if severe
Remove infected leaves; improve drainage and air circulation; apply copper fungicide or chlorothalonil; plant resistant varieties nearby

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

Early Sunglow's early maturity and sweet flavor make it perfect for fresh eating straight from the vine, slicing into salads, or enjoying whole as a garden snack. The vibrant orange-red color adds visual appeal to summer dishes. [source]

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Sauce and preservation

Culinary

The balanced sugar-acid profile and determinate growth pattern make Early Sunglow well-suited for preserving—sauce, juice, canning, or drying. The heirloom genetics provide authentic tomato flavor for homemade preparations. [source]

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Container and small-space gardening

Culinary

Early Sunglow's compact, determinate habit makes it ideal for pots and small gardens where space is limited. A single plant in a 5-gallon container can produce abundant fruit suitable for balconies, patios, or urban gardens. [source]

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Nutritional and cardiovascular health

Medicinal

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Early Sunglow, like all tomatoes, provides vitamin C, potassium, and other beneficial phytochemicals. [source]

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Seed saving and heirloom preservation

Craft

Early Sunglow is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, making it suitable for seed saving and perpetuation. Gardeners can save seeds from mature fruit to grow genetically identical plants year after year. [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 fruits when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch, typically 60-65 days after transplanting. Early Sunglow can be harvested at the 'breaker stage' (when color first breaks from green) for peak flavor, though vine-ripening develops maximum sweetness. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season to encourage continued production. Late-season fruit can be picked at the breaker stage indoors and allowed to ripen. Store at room temperature; avoid refrigeration which damages flavor.

Fun Facts

🌱 Early Sunglow was developed specifically for short growing seasons, making it a top choice for northern gardeners and short-season regions where late-maturing heirlooms fail.
🌱 The 'Sunglow' name reflects the fruit's distinctive warm orange-red hue, which results from balanced levels of lycopene and carotenoid pigments.
🌱 This variety was a popular award-winner at seed competitions in the 1980s-1990s and remains a favorite among heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its reliability and flavor.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Heirloom Last Frost Date Mulch Transplant True Leaves

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