How to Grow Golden Treasure
Wikimedia Commons
Golden Treasure
Solanum lycopersicum 'Golden Treasure'
vegetableGolden Treasure is a determinate cherry tomato variety prized for its small, golden-yellow fruits with exceptional sweetness and rich flavor. This prolific producer yields abundant clusters of 1-2 inch round tomatoes that ripen to a beautiful amber-gold color. The plants are compact and manageable, making them ideal for containers, patios, and small garden spaces.
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Example Golden Treasure timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Golden Treasure
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Golden Treasure
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Treasure dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grown as annual everywhere
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves; cotyledons present. Plants are tender and delicate.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights. Thin to strongest seedlings.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksBushy, compact growth with dark green foliage. Plants develop true leaves and branches but no flowers yet.
Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting. Ensure strong light, proper spacing, and balanced fertilizer (higher nitrogen). Support with stakes if needed.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters on determinate branches. Flowers are self-fertile and attract pollinators.
Reduce nitrogen; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage fruit set. Ensure consistent watering and pollination via gentle shaking or natural pollinators.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green fruits develop rapidly in clusters. Fruits gradually enlarge and begin color transition to golden-yellow.
Maintain even watering to prevent cracking. Continue balanced fertilizer. Remove lower leaves for air circulation. Monitor for pests.
Harvest
4-6 weeks until frostFruits fully ripen to bright golden-amber color with glossy appearance. Yields peak at this stage.
Harvest ripe fruit regularly to encourage continued production. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Continue watering and pest management.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large larvae; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for small larvae
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Use reflective mulch; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; vacuum with handheld device
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and
Choose resistant varieties; rotate crops; sanitize tools; remove infected plants; improve soil drainage
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Prune lower foliage; maintain air circulation; apply fungicide (copper or chlorothalonil); water at base only
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
Uses
Fresh eating and snacking
CulinaryGolden Treasure's exceptional sweetness and complex flavor profile make it ideal for fresh consumption, cherry tomato salads, and snacking straight from the vine. The small size is perfect for garnishing or adding whole to dishes. [source]
Cooking and sauces
CulinaryThe golden fruits are excellent in sauces, salsas, and cooked preparations where their unique golden color adds visual appeal. They maintain good acidity and flavor when cooked. [source]
Lycopene and antioxidants
MedicinalGolden Treasure tomatoes contain lycopene and other carotenoids, though yellow varieties have less lycopene than red tomatoes. They still provide valuable antioxidants and vitamin C for immune support. [source]
Container gardening
HouseholdThe compact, determinate growth habit and prolific fruiting make Golden Treasure an excellent choice for pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and patios where space is limited. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing Golden Treasure supports local pollinator populations and beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits when fully golden-yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Golden Treasures will fully ripen off the vine if picked at the 'breaker stage' (yellow color just beginning). Pinch off suckers and lower foliage to focus energy on fruit production. Continue harvesting every 2-3 days at peak season to maintain productivity. In late season, pick green fruits before frost and allow to ripen indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Golden Treasure tomatoes are exceptionally sweet for a tomato, with a high sugar content that makes them taste almost like a candy tomato when grown in sunny conditions.
- 🌱 The golden-yellow color indicates the presence of carotenoids and different phytonutrients than red tomatoes, creating a flavor profile that's often described as fruity with tropical notes.
- 🌱 As a determinate variety, Golden Treasure sets most of its fruit in concentrated flushes, making it excellent for succession planting and canning if you prefer harvesting in batches.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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