Brandywine

Tomato

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Brandywine’s rich, old-world fragrance and its famously deep, rosy-sweet flavor—an heirloom beefsteak that …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 26th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 16th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Brandywine tomatoes?

Early blight often shows up on Brandywine as dark, concentric “target” spots that start on the lower leaves and expand upward. Remove and discard infected lower foliage immediately, then spray with a labeled fungicide that targets early blight (follow the product label for frequency). Keep plants on full sun with good airflow and avoid wetting the leaves during watering to slow new infections.

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

During active fruiting, water Brandywine deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for consistently moist—not soggy—soil. A simple check: if the top 1 inch of soil is dry, water until the root zone is soaked (typically 6–12 inches), then let the soil partially dry before the next watering. Use steady moisture because irregular watering can contribute to blossom-end rot and cracking.

When is Brandywine ready to harvest?

Harvest Brandywine when fruits are fully colored and have a gentle “give” at the stem end—most commonly around 80–90 days from transplant, but timing varies with temperature. Don’t wait for total softness; pick when the fruit has reached its mature size and color while still firm enough to avoid bruising. For best flavor, allow cut fruits to ripen off the vine only briefly if nighttime temperatures dip too low.

Sink your senses into Brandywine’s rich, old-world fragrance and its famously deep, rosy-sweet flavor—an heirloom beefsteak that feels as lush as it tastes. The fruits are large and irregularly heart-shaped, with a velvety, juicy flesh and a satisfyingly meaty bite that shines in thick slices and spoonfuls of garden abundance. Grow Brandywine for standout presence in the patch and a standout centerpiece on the table—ideal for bold, slow-simmered sauces and robust fresh preparations alike.

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 (a long-season, beefsteak type), transplant only when soil is reliably warm and then bury the stem for a stronger root system.