Brandywine
A beloved pink beefsteak with lacy foliage and complex flavor; mid-season and indeterminate, requiring strong support and rich soil.
Brandywine delivers rich, balanced tomato flavor with low acidity, making it a top choice for fresh slicing. It thrives in warm, well-drained soils with steady moisture and full sun. Because it matures mid-season, pair it with early and late varieties to extend harvest. The vines grow vigorously and can reach significant height, so plan for sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises.
This variety is prone to cracking and cat-facing, especially during irregular watering or temperature shifts. To minimize stress, mulch heavily and water consistently. It benefits from pruning and pinching out suckers regularly. Fruit sets best when night temps stay above 55°F and below 75°F—so in hotter zones, expect best yields in early summer and late summer.
Brandywine is open-pollinated and breeds true, making it ideal for seed saving. Select fruit from vigorous, disease-free plants, allow them to fully ripen, then use fermentation to clean seeds. Store dried seeds in a cool, dark place for up to ten years. To preserve genetic purity, isolate it from other potato-leaf varieties.
