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Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine' is Brandywine tomato, an indeterminate heirloom growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on stakes or cages. Large beefsteak-type fruit 12-16 ounces (340-450 g) or larger with pink-red skin and meaty flesh. Matures in 80-100 days from transplant. Bright yellow flowers. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). An heirloom (open-pollinated) traced to Amish communities in Chester County, Pennsylvania — first documented by Ben Quisenberry in 1982. Potato-type (smooth-edged) leaves rather than the standard serrated compound leaves — the potato leaf form is a cultivar identifier. Indeterminate growth — requires staking or caging. No hybrid disease resistance: susceptible to cracking, catfacing, Fusarium wilt, and late blight (Phytophthora infestans). Requires a long warm season (80-100 days) — in short-season areas, start indoors early and use season-extending techniques. The large fruit cracks in inconsistent watering. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Heirloom cultivar traced to Amish communities in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and large containers (25 gallons / 95 L). Heirloom — save seeds. Potato-type leaves. Requires long warm season. No disease resistance. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-September). Bright yellow flowers continuously on indeterminate vines. Self-pollinating. Fruit 80-100 days from transplant.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in small clustersFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, smooth potato-type leaves (not serrated — a diagnostic feature); aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Stake or cage (indeterminate — 6-8 feet). Requires 80-100 days warm season. No disease resistance. Susceptible to cracking. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Stake or cage required. Requires 25-gallon (95 L) containers minimum.Pruning Schedule
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summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 25 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — transplant only
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Plant Spacing
36 inches