Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Brandywine, Pink (Pink-Red Beefsteak Tomato)
Heritage: Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
Introduced in the early-1980’s by Ben Quisenberry of Big Tomato Gardens Seed Co. It’s origin was with the Sudduth family, who had been growing it for almost 100 years.
Tall potato-leaf plants produce a nice crop of fruit up to 4.5” (11.5cm) in diameter. Skin and flesh are dark pink and surprisingly firm and meaty. Lovely tomato flavour, slightly acidic but well balanced. Good producer with the most uniform fruit. Of all the Brandywine’s, we have found this strain to be the most reliable and productive. Potato-Leaf. Indeterminate. Matures in 90-100 days. (310 seeds/g)
Largest Pink Brandywine Tomato we grew: 18.8oz = just over 1 lb = 535g
Our Thoughts About Brandywines: The “buzz” on this particular Amish heirloom c.1885, has reached almost mythical proportion. We think it may be a touch overrated, but ventured into growing Brandywines nonetheless. Yes, taking a bite into a Brandywine can be one of the most luscious, sensational tomato eating experiences you may ever have. On the other hand, it can also be the most disappointing. Even grown under ideal conditions, Brandywines can take a long time to mature. Their thin skin is continually cracking, and continuity in shape is next to impossible. Nevertheless, here they are, the three strains (Pink, Red Sudduth, Yellow) we feel to be worthy of your taste-buds, time, and talent. Good luck!
Indeterminate plants are tall and sprawling continuing to grow and produce fruit until they are eventually killed by frost. This could be your preference if you are looking for a few tomatoes ripening at a time throughout the entire growing season. However, “a few” will vary with the variety you choose. It could mean three-four at a time for the larger varieties, or fifty-sixty at a time for the smaller crudités.
Tips for Growing Tasty Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are heat loving plants that can adapt themselves to almost any growing zone providing there is ample sunshine and the season is long enough to allow the fruits to fully mature. Start seeds indoors in small pots 6 weeks before last frost date by planting them just below the surface of the soil. As the weather warms, harden-off the plants by setting them outside in the sun for a few hours each day. When the ground has fully warmed and the season has stabilized transplant to a sunny area of the garden. Remove all yellow leaves and any buds or flowers that have formed. This allows the plant to concentrate on developing a good deep root system in its new home. Plant deep burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. Plants should be at least 12-18” (30-45cm) apart to allow for ample circulation and room to grow. Most tomatoes do best when support is provided either by using poles, cages or trellising. The most suitable companion plants for tomatoes are; asparagus, chives, onions, parsley, marigolds and carrots. Do not plant near potatoes, corn, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Tomatoes usually germinate within 5-7days (75-95ºF/24-35ºC).
