Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
|---|
Brandywine, Yellow (Yellow-Orange Beefsteak Tomato)
Heritage: Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
Another of those Brandywine mysteries! Seeds were discovered in Indiana sometime during the 1980’s.
Tall potato-leaf plants produce fruit up to 4” (10cm) in diameter. Skin and flesh are light yellow to start, ripening to dark orange. Size, shape and texture of fruit is highly variable. When you get a good one the flesh is firm, almost creamy in texture, very enjoyable with a strong complex flavour of tangy and sweet! (We won’t even mention what the bad ones taste like) Can be susceptible to cracking. Slow grower with low production, but worthy for the patient gardener. Potato-Leaf. Indeterminate. Matures in 90-100+ days. (310 seeds/g)
Largest Yellow Brandywine Tomato we grew: 13oz = over 3/4 lb = 370g
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).
