Sunchocola tomatoes are a unique variety, prized for exceptional flavor and consistent production, making them a rewarding choice for home gardeners.
Discovering Sunchocola Tomatoes
Sunchocola tomatoes are a hybrid cherry type, large for a cherry tomato, measuring about 2.5 x 2.5 cm (1 x 1 inch) and weighing between 28-56 grams (1-2 ounces). When ripe, they exhibit a rich brownish-red or chocolate-red color, often with a subtle blush of red.
Sunchocola tomatoes have a complex flavor profile, characterized by a juicy texture, low acidity, and high sugar content, resulting in a smoky, sweet, and tangy taste. This distinguishes them from other cherry tomatoes, even their parent Sungold. As indeterminate plants, Sunchocola tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season until frost.
Cultivating Sunchocola Tomatoes
Cultivating Sunchocola tomatoes requires attention to their environmental needs, from planting through ongoing care. Providing optimal conditions helps ensure a bountiful harvest.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Sunchocola tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Amend the soil with finished compost and manure before planting. Avoid planting in areas where other solanaceous crops like peppers, eggplant, or potatoes grew previously to prevent disease transmission.
Planting and Initial Care
Sunchocola seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds 0.5-1 cm (¼-½ inch) deep, keeping them under bright lights to prevent legginess. Grow seedlings at 10°C (50°F) before hardening off outdoors. Transplant seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently remain at or above 10°C (50°F), spacing indeterminate varieties 50-75 cm (20-30 inches) apart, burying the stem up to the first true leaves for stronger root development.
Watering Requirements
Consistent watering is important. Deep, infrequent watering is preferred over shallow, frequent watering, as it encourages deeper root growth. Maintaining even soil moisture helps prevent issues such as blossom end rot, which can occur due to irregular water uptake. Avoid allowing plants to sit in standing water, as this can lead to root problems.
Fertilizing Guidelines
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and fruit set. When transplanting, incorporate a balanced organic fertilizer, such as a 4-4-4 blend, beneath each plant. Once plants begin to set fruit trusses, a weekly feeding with an all-purpose plant feed can be beneficial. This consistent nutrient supply helps indeterminate plants continue producing throughout the growing season.
Providing Support
Sunchocola tomato plants are indeterminate, growing tall (about 1.8 meters/6 feet) with a spread of 1.2 meters (4 feet). Support is essential to manage their vigorous growth and heavy fruit load. Staking, caging, or trellising helps keep plants upright, improves air circulation, prevents fruit from touching the ground, and makes harvesting easier while reducing disease risk.
Common Pest and Disease Management
Sunchocola tomatoes can encounter common pests and diseases, though they show resistance to Tomato Mosaic Virus. To prevent issues, avoid planting near black walnut trees, which exude toxins harmful to the plants. Rotating crops and avoiding planting in the same spot where tomatoes or related plants grew previously helps reduce soil-borne diseases. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning can also minimize fungal problems like blight.
Harvesting Sunchocola Tomatoes
Harvest Sunchocola tomatoes at the right time for peak flavor. These tomatoes typically mature in 67 to 75 days from transplanting. The visual cue for ripeness is when the fruit develops its characteristic brownish-red or chocolate-red color.
Tomatoes generally ripen from the bottom of the fruit upwards toward the stem. Gently twist or snip the fruit from the vine, ensuring no plant damage. Picking fruits regularly encourages more production, extending the harvest season. If frost is expected, nearly ripe, blemish-free green tomatoes can be picked and ripened indoors at a cool temperature.
Enjoying Sunchocola Tomatoes
Sunchocola tomatoes are versatile in culinary applications. Their smoky, sweet, and low-acid taste enhances a wide range of dishes. They are excellent for fresh eating, whether in salads or as a snack.
Sunchocola tomatoes also perform well in cooked applications. Their juicy texture and complex flavor make them suitable for creating rich sauces, roasting to concentrate sweetness, or incorporating into salsas. They can also be used for pickling or canning, preserving their distinctive taste.