Tomato ‘Sunrise Bumblebee’ is one of the prettiest cherry tomatoes you can grow, and it’s every bit as tasty as it looks. This variety was bred in the United States by Fred Hempel of Artisan Seeds, who is known for creating some of the most colourful and flavour-packed tomatoes around. The ‘Sunrise Bumblebee’ is part of his famous Artisan Bumblebee series, which has been delighting gardeners since the early 2010s. It’s called sunrise as once ripe the tomatoes will be a variety of colours depending on the amount of sun they got.

This little tomato is a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. Its skin is a glowing golden-yellow streaked with red and pink, creating the effect of a summer sunrise. Bite into one and you’ll find it has a sweet, fruity flavour with a touch of tang – a perfect balance that makes it a favourite for snacking straight from the vine.

Nutritionally, ‘Sunrise Bumblebee’ is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fibre. The pigments that give it its vibrant colour are full of antioxidants, which support good health by protecting cells from damage. It’s one of those rare cases where the food looks as good as it is for you!

The plants are vigorous indeterminates, meaning they’ll keep growing and producing right through the season. They’re very productive, with long trusses of cherry tomatoes that just keep coming. The fruits hold well on the vine without cracking easily, which makes them a good choice for gardeners who want both beauty and reliability.

Their flavour and appearance make them fantastic in fresh salads, lunch boxes, or as colourful toppings for bruschetta and pizzas. Kids often love them too because they’re sweet and fun to eat.

How to Grow From Seed:
At the earliest sow seeds in late winter to early spring, around 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in your area, or after Spring and into mid and late summer.

Plant seeds about 0.5 cm deep in seed-raising mix and keep the soil moist and warm (20–25°C). Germination usually takes 7–14 days.

When the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, pot them up into larger containers to encourage stronger root systems.

Transplant them outside into the garden or large pots once the weather is warm and frost-free. Give them a sunny position, space them 50–60 cm apart, and provide support with stakes or trellises. Keep plants well-watered and feed regularly with a balanced fertiliser.

You’ll usually start harvesting around 70 days from transplanting, and once they get going, you’ll have trusses of jewel-like tomatoes right through summer.