Brandywine (Sudduth's Strain)

Tomato

Zone 13a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Brandywine (Sudduth's Strain)

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Velvety-scented, sun-warmed flesh with a rich, old-fashioned sweetness—Brandywine (Sudduth’s Strain) delivers the deep, rosy-red …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 27th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
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

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Brandywine (Sudduth’s Strain) tomatoes?

Early blight shows up as dark, concentric “target” spots on older leaves, usually after the plants have set fruit. Remove and discard infected lower leaves promptly, improve airflow by spacing plants well and keeping foliage dry, and use a labeled tomato fungicide early when spots first appear (follow the label for reapplication intervals).

How often should I water Brandywine tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During flowering to fruit set, keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the base so moisture reaches 6–10 inches down, and avoid letting the soil swing from dry to waterlogged, which encourages blossom-end rot and cracking in this long-season variety.

When is Brandywine (Sudduth’s Strain) ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruit color is fully developed for a Brandywine (deep pink to red depending on your season) and the tomatoes feel slightly soft at the blossom end. Expect first ripe fruit around ~90 days from transplant (often longer depending on early conditions), and pick regularly because Brandywine sets fruit over a long window.

Velvety-scented, sun-warmed flesh with a rich, old-fashioned sweetness—Brandywine (Sudduth’s Strain) delivers the deep, rosy-red flavor gardeners crave in a true beefsteak. Expect large, irregularly heart-shaped fruits with a tender, juicy bite and a pleasantly meaty texture that shines in thick slices for fresh enjoyment and in hearty sauces. A classic heirloom for anyone who wants bold color, generous size, and that unmistakable Brandywine character from every harvest.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For Brandywine-type beefsteaks, start indoors with steady warmth and transplant only once nighttime lows are safely above ~50°F to avoid stunting late-season growth.