Sugar Drop

[UFXEFU]

These tomatoes came off the same Sugar Drop plant. Why is there a difference in color
? Size and shape are the same.

[AlittleSalt]

I am thinking they are at different stages of ripeness.

[UFXEFU]

Originally Posted by AlittleSalt

I am thinking they are at different stages of ripeness.

AlittleSalt, I don't think that's the case, as they get riper they stay the same color..... just a deeper red or orange.

[AlittleSalt]

Hmm, do they taste different?

[Salsacharley]

Were the color variations random all over the plant or were certain areas of the plant one specific color and other areas the other color? Where did you get your seed? I am wondering if you have a mutation or if the seed might be compromised with a cross of something, or if Sugar Drop isn't fully stable. I'm certain that Lee of J & L Gardens who developed Sugar Drop would be interested in this.

[PhilaGardener]

A lot of tomatoes that share the SunGold genetics seem to throw an occasionally seedling that has red fruit. Perhaps there is a gene in there with a transposable element that hops now and then (or a mutation that reverts). It might have done so in the vegetative parts of your plant, generating a branch with red fruit (hence Salsacharley's comment about areas).

[UFXEFU]

Originally Posted by Salsacharley

Were the color variations random all over the plant or were certain areas of the plant one specific color and other areas the other color? Where did you get your seed? I am wondering if you have a mutation or if the seed might be compromised with a cross of something, or if Sugar Drop isn't fully stable. I'm certain that Lee of J & L Gardens who developed Sugar Drop would be interested in this.

The red ones were random over the plant with more orange than red. I have 5 plants in a row and I have some reds on each plant. I did not pay much attention while picking but I think all the red ones were on the same flower cluster and no orange. I got my seed from ginger2778.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by UFXEFU

The red ones were random over the plant with more orange than red. I have 5 plants in a row and I have some reds on each plant. I did not pay much attention while picking but I think all the red ones were on the same flower cluster and no orange. I got my seed from ginger2778.

I got several from JandL that had stability issues, Lee is aware of it. I did think my Sugar Drops grew true though. Mine were all the more yellow color. Since I grow in the winter, there isnt much if any hallictidae presence here then. I do not bag, but I haven't had bee crosses yet, that I am aware of.

[UFXEFU]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

A lot of tomatoes that share the SunGold genetics seem to throw an occasionally seedling that has red fruit. Perhaps there is a gene in there with a transposable element that hops now and then (or a mutation that reverts). It might have done so in the vegetative parts of your plant, generating a branch with red fruit (hence Salsacharley's comment about areas).

PhilaGardener, I'm an amateur gardener, so I'm not quite sure what you're saying. Will seed from reds produce red fruit and seed from orange produce orange fruit next year?

[UFXEFU]

Originally Posted by AlittleSalt

Hmm, do they taste different?

AlittleSalt, they taste the same to me..... GOOD. The worst tasting tomato is wonderful.

[UFXEFU]

I did a taste test on these two. About the same flavor but the orange a little sweeter. Ginger had them marked as "must grow" and she was right... they taste great!

[PhilaGardener]

Originally Posted by UFXEFU

PhilaGardener, I'm an amateur gardener, so I'm not quite sure what you're saying. Will seed from reds produce red fruit and seed from orange produce orange fruit next year?

Great question! The best answer is to give it a try! I bet I'm not the only one interested in hearing the outcome of your experiment!

[BigVanVader]

My Sugar Drop plant looks to have antho in the stems/leaves but so far the fruit appears not to. None are rip yet but I will be taking some pics when they get that way. My seeds came from Marsha as well and the plants are loaded with fruits now so in a couple more weeks I should know how they turn out.

[UFXEFU]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

Great question! The best answer is to give it a try! I bet I'm not the only one interested in hearing the outcome of your experiment!

They are on next years grow list. I've never saved seed, always bought seed and plants at local stores. It's going to be interesting to see what happens..... can't hardly wait.

[Lindalana]

I had several plants plants last year, all were same yellow-orange color, lovely refreshing taste. They had a bit more shade that I could do nothing about so plants had less fruits to compare to usual cherry like Sungold.