Gold Rush Currant Tomato - 5 Seeds

The Gold Rush Currant tomato is a vibrant, eye-catching heirloom variety prized for its clusters of tiny, golden-yellow fruits that burst with sweet, fruity flavour.  Perfect for South African gardeners, this vigorous indeterminate plant thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is ideal for growing in open ground, raised beds, or large containers. The fruits are exceptionally small—around the size of a small grape—but they grow in long trusses, producing dozens of tomatoes per branch. Despite their size, they pack an intense, almost tropical sweetness that makes them perfect for snacking, salads, or drying. With its wild, rambling growth habit and stunning visual appeal, the Gold Rush Currant is both a productive food plant and a charming addition to edible landscapes, especially in South Africa’s summer growing season.

Growing and Sowing Tips

Type: Indeterminate (requires staking or trellising)

Days to maturity: 75–80 days from transplant

Sow seeds indoors in late winter to early spring (July–September)

Germination temperature: 20–25°C

Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in seedling trays or pots

Harden off and transplant outdoors once night temps are consistently above 12°C

Spacing: 50–60 cm between plants, 80–100 cm between rows

Prefers full sun and well-draining, compost-enriched soil (pH 6.0–7.0)

Water regularly and deeply, especially during flowering and fruiting

Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds

Provide strong vertical support; this variety can become quite sprawling

Prune lightly to manage size and improve airflow, but don’t over-prune

Common Pests and Diseases

Aphids: Attracted to tender new growth; control with neem oil or a strong water spray

Whiteflies: Particularly common in greenhouse or sheltered environments; use yellow sticky traps and natural sprays

Red spider mites: Appear in hot, dry weather; increase humidity and use insecticidal soap if needed

Tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta): Causes leaf tunneling and fruit damage; monitor with pheromone traps and apply organic controls

Powdery mildew: More likely in humid conditions; remove infected leaves and apply sulphur-based or organic fungicides

Blossom end rot: Rare but possible; ensure consistent watering and avoid calcium deficiency

Septoria leaf spot: Small grey spots with dark edges on lower leaves; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering