How to Grow Sun Power Tomato
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Sun Power Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sun Power'
vegetableSun Power is a determinate paste tomato variety bred for disease resistance and reliability in challenging growing conditions. It produces medium-sized, elongated fruits ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning. This hybrid cultivar is known for its exceptional resistance to multiple diseases and ability to set fruit even in hot climates.
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Example Sun Power Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sun Power Tomato
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 Sun Power Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sun Power Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, performs well in heat-prone areas
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves; plant is fragile and small
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily; maintain 70-75°F; avoid dampening off by ensuring good air circulation
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple leaf sets and main stem; becomes sturdy with deep root system
Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors; continue bright light; fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer; pinch off flower buds if they appear before transplanting
Flowering
Throughout growing seasonYellow flower clusters appear along main stem; flowers are self-fertile with visible stamens
Maintain consistent soil moisture and warmth (70-80°F); support plant with stakes or cages; remove lower leaves once plant is 12+ inches tall to improve air circulation; side-dress with calcium source to prevent blossom end rot
Fruiting
6-8 weeks from flowering to first ripe fruitSmall green fruits develop from flowers; gradually enlarge and change color from green to red as they mature
Water consistently to prevent cracking; maintain moderate nitrogen levels to avoid excessive foliage; prune judiciously—only remove leaves shading fruit; monitor for disease and pests weekly
Harvest
4-8 weeks of continuous harvestFruits reach full size and vibrant red color; firm texture and rich flavor indicate ripeness
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production; pick at first full red color for best flavor; remove dead foliage to improve air flow; continue watering and fertilizing until frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick regularly; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestation is severe
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Use reflective mulches; spray insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; maintain good air circulation
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Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; prune affected leaves; ensure adequate air circulation
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Remove affected lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; use copper fungicide if severe
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Plant resistant varieties (Sun Power has good resistance); remove infected foliage immediately; use chlorothalonil or copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves; improve air flow; apply copper or sulfur fungicide; stake for better airflow
Uses
Sauces, Pastes & Canning
CulinarySun Power's meaty texture and concentrated flavor make it ideal for tomato sauce, paste, and canning applications. The low seed and moisture content produce thick, rich products with minimal cooking time. [source]
Fresh Cooking
CulinaryWhile bred for processing, Sun Power tomatoes are also excellent cooked in soups, stews, and braised dishes where their firm flesh holds up well to heat. [source]
Lycopene Source
MedicinalLike all red tomatoes, Sun Power contains high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant compound studied for cardiovascular and anti-cancer properties. [source]
Food Preservation
HouseholdThe dense flesh and balanced acid content make Sun Power ideal for home canning, freezing, and long-term storage—perfect for self-sufficiency gardeners. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeTomato flowers attract native bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting broader ecosystem health while improving your harvest. [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 they reach full red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Sun Power is a determinate variety, so most fruit ripens within a concentrated window; plan canning or sauce-making around peak harvest. Twist gently or cut with pruners to avoid damaging vine. Harvest regularly to encourage plant to continue setting new fruit. For processing, harvest all mature fruit before first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sun Power was specifically bred to resist both Early and Late Blight, two of the most destructive tomato diseases—making it an excellent choice for organic gardeners in humid climates.
- 🌱 The name 'Sun Power' reflects its exceptional heat tolerance; it can set fruit and produce in temperatures that cause other varieties to drop their flowers.
- 🌱 This is a determinate (bush) variety, meaning it stops growing at a set height (usually 3-4 feet) and produces most fruit in a concentrated window, making it perfect for simultaneous harvesting for sauce production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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