Sunrise Bumble Bee

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sunrise Bumble Bee tomatoes burst with a honeyed, sunlit sweetness—bright, candy-like flavor that tastes vivid even at first bite.

At maturity, clusters of petite fruits wear a warm golden base brushed with bold red-orange striping, their skins taut and glossy with a crisp snap and juicy, seed-studded tenderness. Ideal for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and quick, color-forward sauces that showcase their striped “bee” pattern.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Botanical illustration of Sunrise Bumble Bee

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These striped cherry tomatoes are built for speed: blister them briefly or keep them raw so their honeyed sweetness and glossy snap come through instead of turning stewed. Their seed-jus gives you a natural, bright glaze in a fast reduction that clings to cheese and cured meats like it means it.

Best Uses

bite-size snacking tomatoes that stay intact and glossy
fresh salads where they can hold dressing without collapsing
quick pan-warm sauce (just blister and reduce lightly) to preserve their sweetness and striping

Flavor Profile

honeyed, candy-like sweetness bright, tangy snap of acidity crisp skin with juicy, seed-studded tenderness

Kitchen Pairings

burrata mozzarella extra-virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease pest issue for Solanum lycopersicum (cherry tomato) and how do I treat it?

A very common problem is early blight/leaf spot (Alternaria), which shows up as dark, target-like spots on older leaves and can spread upward in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, keep plants spaced for airflow, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If it’s spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for tomatoes/Alternaria and reapply according to the label interval, especially after rainy/humid stretches.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase?

During active fruit set and growth, keep soil evenly moist by watering deeply about 1–2 times per week, depending on heat and container/soil drainage. Aim for consistently damp soil 2–4 in (5–10 cm) down, and avoid letting it dry out completely and then flood it, which can trigger blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Use mulch around the root zone to steady moisture once plants are established.

How can I tell when my Sunrise Bumble Bee tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full color for the variety (deep, uniform yellow/orange-red tones as they ripen) and the skin is glossy. Gently squeeze—ripe cherry tomatoes should feel firm but give slightly, and they should detach easily from the vine with a light twist. If they still look pale, stay taut, or taste watery/green, wait a few more days and check again.