Brandywine OTV

Tomato

85d to harvest

Sink your senses into Brandywine OTV’s rich, old-fashioned tomato fragrance and a luxuriously juicy bite that’s as velvety as it is bold. This Beefsteak selection forms large, irregularly ribbed fruits with a warm, rosy-red glow and a pleasantly meaty texture—ideal for showcasing in thick slices and for making deeply flavored sauces and preserves that taste like summer at its peak. For home gardeners who love a substantial harvest, Brandywine OTV delivers standout size and classic, full-bodied tomato character from a steady, vigorous vine.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 10a supports continuous outdoor production.

Milestone	Date
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Growing Approach	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Brandywine OTV tomato leaves turning yellow with spots, and what can I do?

This pattern is commonly early blight (brown/black spots that spread from older leaves upward) or Septoria (tiny dark-edged spots). Remove and trash the affected leaves, then spray a copper-based fungicide following the label; start as soon as you see spots and repeat as directed. Keep foliage as dry as possible by watering at the soil line and spacing plants for airflow.

How often should I water Brandywine OTV tomatoes during the main growing phase (from fruit set onward)?

From fruit set through the Brandywine’s ~85-day maturity, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for consistently moist soil 6–8 inches down rather than daily light watering. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent fungus, then soak thoroughly until excess drains. If you see blossom-end rot or cracking, adjust toward more even moisture (regular deep soaks) rather than sudden dry-downs.

How do I know when Brandywine OTV is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored all the way through (deep pink/red with a rich Brandywine color) and the shoulders are softening, not staying firm and pale. At ~85 days, check the stem connection: fruits should detach easily or come away with a gentle twist when mature. Taste-test one—Brandywine flavor is the best indicator, so pick the first ripe fruits and let the rest continue coloring.