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Organic open-pollinated indeterminate striped cherry tomato
Solanaceae
Organic fruiting vegetable seeds
Organic striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Product code : BIOVO-0144
Tropical Sunset is an open-pollinated organic cherry tomato with early productive indeterminate growth. Stems reach approximately 1.5–1.8 m and carry clusters of round fruit often measuring 3.5 to 5 cm. Tender skin ripens over a golden-to-orange background traced with rosy-red stripes. Firm juicy meaty flesh offers very sweet fruity gently tangy flavour. Harvest generally begins 60 to 70 days after transplanting. Grow it in full sun in fertile well-drained soil with a tall cage or sturdy trellis. Secure lengthening stems with soft ties, maintain consistent soil-level moisture, and pick frequently as colourful clusters ripen. The colourful harvest brightens summer salads and tasting platters.
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Warm-season annual
Discover the plant
Common nameTropical Sunset striped cherry tomato
FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
Specieslycopersicum
CultivarTropical Sunset
TypeOrganic open-pollinated indeterminate striped cherry tomato
Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum
Reproducible seedsYes
Organic striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an early productive indeterminate organic variety. Clusters carry small round fruit with a golden-to-orange background with rosy-red stripes across the tender skin. Juicy texture and sweet fruity flavour suit snacks, salads, appetizers, skewers, and colourful garnishes. Plants reach approximately 1.5–1.8 m and harvest generally begins 60 to 70 days after transplanting, then continues progressively through the season. The distinctive pattern gives every ripe cluster strong visual appeal in the garden and on fresh platters at home for summer meals.
Sow indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, approximately 0.5 cm deep. Keep the mix warm and evenly moist without saturation, then provide intense light immediately after emergence. Pot seedlings up after true leaves appear and harden them gradually. Once frost risk has passed, transplant in full sun into deep fertile organic-rich well-drained soil. Indeterminate growth requires a tall cage or sturdy stake installed at planting. Secure lengthening stems with soft ties and preserve good airflow around the foliage as the plant develops through changing summer weather outdoors and under greenhouse conditions.
Water deeply at soil level when the surface begins to dry and maintain even moisture through fruit set and sizing. Mulch after the ground warms and avoid excess nitrogen. Harvest when the golden-to-orange background is well developed, rosy-red stripes are visible, and tomatoes yield slightly to gentle pressure while remaining firm. Colour varies with sunlight, so also judge texture and ease of release. Pick frequently, protect fruit from impacts, and discard tomatoes that become mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling before kitchen use or storage safely at home. Handle the harvest gently.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Space plants approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart to accommodate growth and air circulation.
Germination temperature
21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F)
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
March through April indoors Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
How to start tomato seedlings: 'Tropical Sunset' tomato. Sow indoors approximately 0.5 cm deep in clean seed-starting mix six to eight weeks before the local average last frost. Use clean, moist seed starting mix that drains freely, and never leave the tray saturated. Keep the mix at 21 to 27 °C and evenly moist, never waterlogged; emergence normally takes 7 to 14 days. Move seedlings under strong light immediately, add gentle airflow, and pot them up after true leaves form. Harden plants in stages, increasing direct sun and wind exposure while bringing them back under cover if frost threatens. Transplant after frost risk has passed and the soil has warmed, selecting full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained ground. Tropical Sunset is an indeterminate, vigorous, climbing tomato reaching about 1.5 to 1.8 m, so install a tall cage or sturdy stake at planting. Leave enough room for airflow, tying, and access to the striped clusters. Water deeply at soil level and maintain even moisture; abrupt swings after dry periods can increase cracking. Feed at a moderate labelled rate instead of forcing leafy growth with excess nitrogen. Begin checking fruit around 60 to 70 days after transplanting. Harvest when the round cherry tomatoes show a golden-to-orange background with rosy-red stripes, remain firm, and yield slightly under gentle pressure. Secure stems with soft ties, pick frequently, and bring sound developed fruit indoors before the first autumn frost.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Minimum temperature
10 °C (50 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato carries many small fruit, so a dry root zone can interrupt several clusters at once. Striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato's round cherry-type fruit often 3.5 to 5 cm, golden to orange with rosy-red stripes is carried on indeterminate, vigorous, climbing, and branched growth, so extend watering beyond the stem as the supported canopy enlarges. The harvest guide for striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato is approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting; maintain moisture while younger clusters continue filling. Water striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato slowly at the base, soak its root zone, then wait until the upper soil begins to dry before irrigating again.
Soil type
Although striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato bears small fruit, its productive growth still calls for a substantial, well-drained root zone. Prepare striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato's bed for indeterminate, vigorous, climbing, and branched growth bearing round cherry-type fruit often 3.5 to 5 cm, golden to orange with rosy-red stripes, not only for the small spring transplant. Allow approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting for striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato to develop, providing soil volume that stays aerated after repeated watering. Before setting striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato, mix mature compost through the area while preserving a crumbly structure rather than a dense amended pocket.
Fertilization
For 'Tropical Sunset', fruit development competes with foliage under excessive nitrogen. Apply every fertilizer at its labelled rate. Once striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato flowers, favour steady growth over leafy surges. Split necessary feeding instead of using one strong dose. Tropical Sunset striped cherry tomato benefits from balanced fertility before its first trusses. Inspect light, water, and roots before feeding again. Fertilizer cannot correct water-related disorders on 'Tropical Sunset'. Correct drainage and moisture before increasing fertility. For striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato, its root zone needs consistent moisture while fruit enlarges.
Moisture
Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Tropical Sunset' tomato. Use striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato’s stated sowing window as a frost-relative cue, not a universal date: indoor sowing six to eight weeks before last frost; transplant after frost. Label the tray or row after sowing 0.5 cm deep; seed generally emerges in 7 to 14 days at 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F), and slower seeds should not be disturbed. Keep young seedlings close to strong light, rotate trays for balanced growth, and pot them on before roots become crowded. After several days of hardening, set 'Tropical Sunset' plants outdoors only when frost danger has passed and nights have become reliably mild. Install a sturdy support at planting and guide new growth before stems become heavy or tangled. Prepare a sunny, well-drained bed; mix mature compost through the root zone and keep the lower leaves clear of soil splash. Maintain even root-zone moisture, because abrupt swings between dry soil and heavy watering can split expanding fruit. If potted, follow this provision for striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato: 35 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in). Recheck root-zone moisture whenever heat or wind increases evaporation. As yellow flowers open, preserve airflow around 'Tropical Sunset', check ties and supports, and watch the undersides of leaves for early pest or disease signs. Use the supplied harvest guidance—approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting—as a starting point; judge each fruit by developed colour, full size, and a slight yield under gentle pressure. Harvest 'Tropical Sunset' regularly without pulling the vine, and bring sound, well-developed fruit indoors before the first hard frost.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
35 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in)
Growing 'Tropical Sunset' tomato in containers. For 'Tropical Sunset', choose a container matching this guide: 35 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in). Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Place the pot in full sun where heat reflected from pavement will not overheat the roots. Striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato produces the expected harvest form: round cherry-type fruit often 3.5 to 5 cm, golden to orange with rosy-red stripes. Protect the developing crop from soil splash and rough handling. Feed at a modest labelled rate after watering. Excess nitrogen can delay flowering and ripening while encouraging leafy growth. Choose a position for this tomato with full sun without sacrificing airflow or watering access. Fill the container with fresh, airy vegetable potting mix amended modestly with mature compost, never dense garden soil. Leave the vine open to light, airflow, and watering at soil level. Its growth is indeterminate, vigorous, climbing, and branched. Check moisture daily during hot or windy periods, using pot weight and the root zone rather than a rigid schedule. The spacing guidance for the crop is approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart; use it when balancing airflow with the available growing area. Position supports so branches remain accessible without rubbing the pot rim, then inspect blossoms and fruit from more than one side. As nights cool, check ties and actual root-zone moisture before deciding whether temporary shelter is worthwhile. Pick ripe fruit regularly to reduce the load on stems. As frost approaches, bring usable fruit indoors and inspect any sheltered container plant before placing it near other plants.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft)
Width / spread
60 cm (24 in)
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Compound, divided foliage with an aroma when bruised; grown as an annual in your region
Growth rate
Vigorous during the warm season
Growth habit
Indeterminate, vigorous, climbing, and branched
Bloom period
'Tropical Sunset' carries yellow, self-fertile flowers in small clusters. Protect open flowers from abrupt water stress. For striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato, successful vibration starts fruit development. Do not treat every fallen blossom as disease. Breezes and bumblebees can release Tropical Sunset striped cherry tomato's pollen. Let open flowers remain accessible to visiting insects. For 'Tropical Sunset', its flower clusters may drop blossoms during severe stress. Keep treatments off petals and active pollinators. Keep striped 'Tropical Sunset' cherry tomato tied before fruit loads its trusses. For Tropical Sunset striped cherry tomato, another tomato variety is unnecessary for normal pollination.
Fruiting
Small yellow flowers form successive clusters of round cherry-type fruit often measuring 3.5 to 5 cm. The background turns golden to orange and develops rosy-red stripes. Harvest generally begins 60 to 70 days after transplanting, then continues. Maintain consistent moisture, support loaded stems, and pick when fruit is coloured and slightly yielding. Frequent picking keeps successive clusters visible and reduces pressure on fully ripe fruit.
Days to maturity
Approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting
Harvest
Harvest generally 60 to 70 days after transplanting when the fruit background is golden to orange, rosy-red stripes are distinct, and flesh yields slightly to gentle pressure while remaining firm. Support the cluster with one hand and release tomatoes without tearing stems. Use a shallow container to prevent crushing and pick often as fruit ripens. Before frost, bring sound developed fruit indoors. Do not eat leaves or stems, and discard any tomato that is mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Tropical Sunset needs room for its supported tomato growth and repeated cherry fruit harvests. Position low herbs along a separate edge and keep vigorous annual flowers from climbing into the trusses. A nearby flower border can remain visually complementary without becoming physically intertwined with the tomato. If other tomato varieties are present, label each plant so the striped harvest stays identifiable. Companion planting should simplify access and maintenance; it is not a guarantee that different cultivars will share ripening schedules or produce the same flavour under identical care.
Plants to avoid
Avoid waterlogged soil, overhead watering, crowding, and repeated rotations with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or potatoes.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Ripe fruit
'Tropical Sunset' tomato in the kitchen. Tropical Sunset tomato skewers — Rinse 350 g of sound, ripe tomatoes under running water and dry them. Leave smaller fruit whole and halve larger 3.5–5 cm fruit through the stem end so the golden-orange flesh and rosy-red striping remain visible. Thread the tomatoes onto short skewers with cucumber chunks, folded basil leaves, and cubes of firm cheese or marinated tofu. Whisk 20 mL olive oil with 10 mL lemon juice, 5 mL balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Brush a little dressing over the skewers and serve the remainder on the side. Finish with toasted sunflower seeds if desired. Assemble close to serving time and keep the prepared skewers covered and refrigerated. Use blunt-ended picks or remove the food from skewers before serving young children. Do not use tomato leaves or stems. Reject fruit that is mouldy, leaking, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling, and wash the board and knife after trimming damaged produce. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. This fresh preparation is not a shelf-stable preserve.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Tropical Sunset be sown and transplanted in your region?
Begin Tropical Sunset indoors six to eight weeks before the transplant date suited to your frost calendar. Sow seed 0.5 cm (¼ in) deep, provide 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F), and keep the mix evenly moist. Germination generally takes 7 to 14 days. Move seedlings into bright light, pot them on before roots crowd, and harden plants gradually. Transplant after the last frost, once nights remain mild and the soil has warmed. Space plants approximately 90 to 120 cm apart for airflow and access, and install support for an indeterminate vine expected to reach about 1.5 to 1.8 m. The round cherry-type fruit becomes golden to orange with rosy-red stripes. Its first mature crop is listed at approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions.
Is Tropical Sunset determinate or indeterminate?
Tropical Sunset is an indeterminate tomato. Its stems reach approximately 1.5–1.8 m and continue growing and producing while conditions remain favourable. Install a tall cage or sturdy stake at transplanting, then secure new stems regularly with soft ties. Preserve harvesting access and good airflow. Remove mainly diseased or broken growth rather than pruning severely. Check ties and support stability after strong wind or heavy rain to protect loaded clusters. Consistent soil-level watering also helps the long-growing plant maintain fruit development without sudden moisture swings. Lead separate stems through the support while they are flexible and place loose ties below strong junctions. Keep colourful trusses visible and reachable instead of trapping them inside dense growth. As the vine lengthens, extend the support before stems bend over its top; do not try to correct a heavily loaded branch in one sharp movement.
When should Tropical Sunset tomatoes be harvested?
Generally harvest 60 to 70 days after transplanting when the golden-to-orange background is well developed, rosy-red stripes are visible, and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure while remaining firm. Because light exposure affects the pattern, compare colour together with texture and how readily each tomato releases. Support the cluster while picking and harvest regularly as fruit ripens. Before frost, bring developed tomatoes indoors. Reject any tomato showing mould, a slimy surface, a deep split, or an unusual odour. Inspect shaded and exposed fruit separately because neither side may show the same stripe intensity. Keep a dated, satisfactory sample as the local reference for background colour and firmness. Hold the truss while picking and clip resistant stems. A dramatic pattern does not make a leaking, mouldy, or abnormally soft tomato suitable for the kitchen.
What container should be used for Tropical Sunset?
Yes. Choose a very large stable deep container with several drainage holes. Fill the Tropical Sunset vessel with airy vegetable mix and a restrained compost amendment, then place the tall vine in full sun. Install a tall cage or sturdy stake to support 1.5–1.8 m indeterminate growth. During hot spells, test the large pot below the surface each day, water the full root zone to drainage, and keep feeding moderate and label-based. Secure stems with soft ties, rotate the container when light is uneven, and check its stability after strong wind. Anchor the tall support independently and confirm the fully watered vessel remains stable before stems reach the top. Guide new growth early, keeping ties away from flower clusters. Check moisture below the surface rather than watering by schedule, and preserve a clear path around the pot so striped fruit can be inspected and harvested without bending loaded branches.
How can ripeness of the striped fruit be judged?
Use several cues together. The background should be well developed golden to orange, rosy-red stripes should be visible, and fruit should yield slightly to gentle pressure while remaining firm. Colour intensity varies with sunlight, so do not expect an identical pattern on every tomato. Also assess ease of release and fresh aroma. Pick regularly to compare fruit at different stages, handle it without compression, and discard tomatoes that are mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling. Use this crop-specific harvest cue—the documented harvest stage—and compare colour, firmness, and flavour from several sound fruit rather than relying on the calendar alone. Record the stage preferred for 'Tropical Sunset', clip instead of pulling where stems resist, and refrigerate damaged or cut produce promptly.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Tropical Sunset's striped fruit is not the part that supports pollination. The flowers provide pollen and can receive bumblebee visits, while remaining self-fertile. Keep trusses visible along the support system and use a nearby, separately spaced floral planting to extend resources beyond the period when the tomato is actively blooming.
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