The Ultimate Guide to Growing 'Supersweet 100' Tomatoes

If you’re searching for a cherry tomato variety that lives up to its name, look no further than ‘Supersweet 100.’ These delightful tomatoes not only boast an incredibly sweet flavor but can also produce an impressive 100 tomatoes per plant. In fact, with the right care and support, they can yield up to 500 tomatoes each season!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes. From their origins and growing tips to where to buy them, preserving methods, recipes, and more, this article has everything you need to know to successfully cultivate and enjoy these tasty tomatoes.

What Are ‘Supersweet 100’ Tomatoes?

First introduced in 1982 as a hybrid of the popular ‘Sweet 100’ tomato, ‘Supersweet 100’ quickly became a hit in the gardening world. Known for its fast growth, high yields, and sugary fruits, this cherry tomato cultivar is a favorite among gardeners across the US. Its early harvest, typically starting just 60-65 days from transplanting, makes it a sought-after variety for those looking to enjoy fresh tomatoes sooner in the season.

‘Jellybean’ Tomatoes

Especially valued for its sweetness, with 1-inch fruits that many refer to as “candy” tomatoes.
An indeterminate variety, meaning it produces fruits continuously throughout the growing season until the first frost.
Known as a “pole variety” due to its vine-like growth habit, can reach heights exceeding 10 feet.

How to Grow ‘Supersweet 100’ Tomatoes

To maximize your ‘Supersweet 100’ tomato harvest, follow these essential tips for successful cultivation:

Carefully Select Where to Grow

Ensure your plants have adequate space to spread, typically two feet wide and at least four feet tall.
If growing in containers, use a minimum container size of five gallons with proper drainage for healthy growth.
Opt for a location with easy access for watering, as these plants require consistent moisture.

Assure an Early Harvest

Plant ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes about two weeks after the last frost date in your region for optimal growth.
Consider using row covers for early planting in regions with short growing seasons for a head start.

Plant ‘Em Deep

Strip side suckers from plants and plant seedlings deep, with only the top four inches emerging above ground.
Deep planting encourages robust root and stem growth.

Provide Plenty of Support

‘Supersweet 100’ plants can grow between four to eight feet tall and require adequate support.

Prune as Needed

Pruning prevents plants from becoming too tall while promoting fruit development on higher branches.
Clip off suckers ahead of fruit production for best results.

Harvest Consistently

Harvest ripe fruits every day or two to maintain plant productivity and prevent fruit splitting.

‘Pink Bumble Bee’ Blend

Ideal for snacking and salads.
Provides endless harvest opportunities throughout the season.
Offers over 1,000 tomatoes per plant with proper care.

Where to Buy

Don’t miss out on planting ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes this season! Purchase live plants or seeds online to secure your supply early:

Live Plants

Find live ‘Supersweet 100’ plants available for purchase from Burpee.

Seeds

Grow ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes from seed with various packet sizes available from True Leaf Market.

Preserving Techniques

Enjoy ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes throughout the year by exploring various preservation methods, including:

Dehydrating

Dehydrate or sun-dry ripe cherry tomatoes for long-term storage and use in diverse recipes.

Oven-drying

Use your oven to dry tomatoes for immediate consumption or future use.
Explore food preservation guides for detailed instructions on these methods.

Tomato Preservation Tips

Dry tomatoes for long shelf-life.
Explore different preservation techniques for year-round enjoyment.

Recipes and Cooking Ideas

While nothing beats the taste of fresh ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes, incorporating them into recipes adds a delightful twist to your meals:

Summer Salads

Enhance summer salads with fresh ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Main Dishes

Use cherry tomatoes in main dishes like shrimp and cherry tomatoes with feta cheese to dazzle your taste buds.

Garnishes and Toppings

Elevate your meals with ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes as garnishes, toppings, or ingredients in various dishes.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Before you embark on your ‘Supersweet 100’ tomato-growing journey, refer to this quick reference guide for essential information:

Plant Type: Annual vegetable
Spread: 24-36 inches
Water Needs: High
Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining
Time to Maturity: 60-65 days
Height: 4-8 feet
Common Pests: Aphids, cutworms, thrips
Common Diseases: Blight, powdery mildew, wilt diseases

Conclusion

With their unmatched sweetness and prolific production, ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes are a must-have addition to any garden. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to grow and enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious cherry tomatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time tomato grower, ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes are sure to impress with their flavor and yield.

If you have any additional tips or questions about growing ‘Supersweet 100’ tomatoes, feel free to share in the comments below. And don’t forget to explore our other tomato-growing guides for more expert advice and inspiration on cultivating a variety of tomato cultivars. Happy gardening!