Sun Drop Tomatoes Growing Guide: Bold Striped Perennials That Regrow From Scraps

Growing Sun Drop tomatoes transforms your garden into a striped, regrowing wonderland. 🌱 These determinate beauties produce cherry-sized fruit with bold red-and-yellow stripes, and the best part? They regrow from scraps—like a tomato that never says goodbye.

The secret to their success starts with soil that drains well but holds moisture, and planting them where they'll get 6-8 hours of sun daily. Unlike most tomatoes, they thrive in containers or garden beds, and their compact growth makes them perfect for small spaces or mixed borders.

By mid-summer, you'll be harvesting clusters of sweet, striped tomatoes that keep producing until frost. The plants stay disease-resistant and compact, so pruning is minimal—just pinch off suckers to keep them focused on fruit. They're the ultimate low-maintenance tomato that keeps giving, even after you've harvested.

Here's how to coax the most from every plant!

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for growing Sun Drop tomatoes from scraps

Turn scraps into stunning striped perennials with this easy, foolproof method!

Start with a mature Sun Drop tomato plant that has thick, vine-like stems with at least 3-4 leaves per cutting. Look for stems that are pencil-thick and have 2-3 leaf nodes—these are the growth points where roots will emerge. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node.

Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top 2-3 leaves attached. This prevents rot and focuses the plant's energy on root growth. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful) to encourage faster root development. I like to work in the morning when the plant is hydrated and the cuttings are fresh.

Place the prepared cutting in a small glass or jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the leaf nodes are submerged but the leaves stay dry. Set it in a bright, indirect light spot—like an east-facing windowsill—where it gets 4-6 hours of light daily. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep it fresh.

Alternatively, you can root directly in moist potting mix by inserting the cutting 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Keep the mix consistently damp (not soggy) and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain humidity. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks—you'll notice tiny white roots forming at the submerged nodes or see new growth at the top.

Once roots are 1-2 inches long (for water-rooted cuttings) or you see new leaf growth (for soil-rooted cuttings), it's time to transplant. For water-rooted cuttings, gently rinse off any rooting hormone residue and plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Press the soil lightly around the stem to secure it.

Place the newly potted cutting in a shady spot for 3-5 days to help it adjust. After this acclimation period, gradually introduce it to morning sun before moving it to full sun (6+ hours daily). Sun Drop tomatoes thrive in warmth (70-85°F) and love consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry. You'll know it's thriving when it produces new leaves and starts branching out!

Once established, Sun Drop tomatoes are perennial and will regrow each season if given proper care. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—these plants hate soggy roots. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage lush growth and vibrant stripes.

Prune back any leggy or overgrown stems in early spring to promote bushier growth. If you notice yellowing leaves, it’s often a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency—adjust your watering or feeding routine accordingly. With the right care, your Sun Drop tomatoes will reward you with bold striped foliage and even more cuttings for next year!

Tips & tricks for perfect Sun Drop tomato propagation

These game-changing tricks will help your Sun Drop tomato cuttings thrive and grow into stunning striped perennials!

Timing is Everything: When selecting your cuttings in Step 1, aim for the morning hours when the plant is fully hydrated and the stems are firm. This makes cutting easier and gives your new plants the best start. I've found that cuttings taken after a light watering (but not dripping wet) root the fastest—this prevents rot while keeping the plant energized for regrowth.

Light Matters More Than You Think: During Step 2, that 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light is non-negotiable for successful rooting. If your east-facing windowsill isn't getting enough light, supplement with a grow light for 2-3 hours in the evening. I've noticed cuttings in dimmer conditions develop weak, leggy roots that struggle to support new growth—this is your plant's way of stretching toward light rather than focusing on root development.

Rooting Accelerator: For the optional rooting hormone in Step 1, I recommend using a powdered version rather than liquid. The powder clings better to the cut end and creates a stronger barrier against bacteria. If you don't have rooting hormone, crush a few aspirin tablets and mix with water to create a DIY alternative—it contains salicylic acid which stimulates root growth. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly before planting!

Transplanting Transition: When you're ready for Step 3, don't rush the shady acclimation period. Those 3-5 days in shade are crucial for preventing transplant shock. I've seen cuttings that skipped this step wilt dramatically when exposed to full sun too soon. After the initial shade period, introduce morning sun gradually—think of it like suncreen for your baby plants!

Frequently asked questions

Can I grow Sun Drop tomatoes from store-bought scraps like other heirlooms?

Yes! Sun Drop tomatoes are perennials that regrow from scraps, just like other cherry tomato varieties. Cut a 3–4 inch stem with 2–3 leaves, let it callus for 24 hours, then place it in water or soil. Keep it warm (70–75°F) and moist—roots should sprout in 1–2 weeks!

How long does it take for Sun Drop tomatoes to produce fruit?

Patience pays off! From seed, expect Sun Drop tomatoes to take 60–70 days to bear fruit. If growing from scraps, it may take 2–3 months for the first tomatoes. Consistent warmth (above 50°F) and sunlight (6+ hours/day) speed up the process.

What’s the best way to harvest Sun Drop tomatoes to encourage more growth?

Harvest gently by twisting or cutting stems to avoid damage. Pick only ripe tomatoes (striped red/yellow) to boost regrowth. Leave some unripe ones on the vine—they’ll ripen slower but keep producing. Prune leggy stems to focus energy on fruit.

Do Sun Drop tomatoes need special care in hot or cold climates?

Sun Drop tomatoes thrive in warm climates (Zones 8–11) but can be grown in cooler zones (Zones 5–7) with season extension. In heat, provide afternoon shade and mulch to retain moisture. In cold, grow in containers and move indoors before frost or use a cold frame.

Are Sun Drop tomatoes good for cooking, or just snacking?

Versatile and bursting with flavor, these tomatoes shine in salads, salsas, and sauces—their sweet-tart taste holds up well when cooked. Their small size makes them perfect for skewers or stuffing. Freeze extras for year-round use!