Black Brandywine Tomato is a stunning heirloom variety, producing large beefsteak tomatoes that can weigh up to 16 oz. With a striking appearance, these tomatoes showcase a unique coal-dusted crimson color with shades of green, purple, and brown. Juicy and rich, the flavor of Black Brandywine is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a favorite for fresh eating, slicing, and adding to gourmet dishes. This indeterminate variety is a slow grower, taking about 100 days to mature, but rewards patient gardeners with large, flavorful tomatoes. Like many heirlooms, Black Brandywine tomatoes may display some cracking, especially when the fruits are very large, so staking is recommended for support.
Black Brandywine has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It was developed by Dr. Harold E. Martin, a physician and plant enthusiast from Westtown, Pennsylvania, who selected it from a cross between a red Brandywine and a brown Beefsteak tomato. The seed was passed down to renowned seed expert William Woys Weaver by his Quaker grandfather, preserving this exceptional variety. Today, Black Brandywine remains a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts for its unique color, history, and incredible flavor.
SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: Black Brandywine Tomato
Latin Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Type: Vegetable
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 11
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Height: 4-6 feet (indeterminate)
Spread: 2-3 feet
Color: Coal-dusted crimson with shades of green, purple, and brown
Harvest Season: Summer through Fall
Companion Plants: Basil, Marigold, Lettuce (Black Brandywine tomatoes benefit from these companions, which help deter pests and improve growth.)
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in warm, sunny climates
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sowing is not recommended. For best results, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for transplanting. Harden off seedlings before planting outside.
Days to Emerge:
7-14 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Seed Spacing:
Space plants 24-36 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Frost-sensitive. Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F before transplanting.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Black Brandywine Tomatoes prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Incorporate organic matter like compost for the best results.
Watering:
Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can cause root rot and stress the plant.
Light and Temperature:
Grow in full sun. Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures, with optimal growing conditions between 70°F and 85°F.
Maintenance:
As an indeterminate variety, Black Brandywine will continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season. Provide sturdy support with stakes or cages to manage the plant’s height, as large fruits may cause the branches to bend or crack. Prune regularly to encourage airflow and prevent disease.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in large containers with good drainage. Use a deep pot, at least 12-18 inches in diameter, to accommodate root growth.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest when the fruits are fully ripened, with a deep, rich color and firm texture. The tomatoes should feel heavy for their size.
How to Harvest:
Gently twist or cut the fruits off the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Drying and Storing:
Black Brandywine Tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a cool, dry place for several days after harvest. For long-term storage, consider canning or preserving.
Edible Use:
Black Brandywine’s juicy, rich flavor is perfect for fresh eating, slicing, and using in gourmet dishes. Its balance of sweet and tart makes it an excellent choice for sandwiches, salads, and sauces.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Select fully ripened tomatoes and scoop out the seeds. Place the seeds in a jar of water and allow them to ferment for 2-3 days. After fermentation, rinse and dry the seeds completely.
Seed Cleaning:
Rinse seeds thoroughly after fermentation, removing any pulp or residue. Spread seeds out to dry on a paper towel.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for up to 4 years if stored properly.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Tomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators, improving fruit set and yields.
Origin:
Native to South America, Black Brandywine Tomatoes were developed in Pennsylvania by Dr. Harold E. Martin in the 1920s from a cross between red Brandywine and brown Beefsteak tomatoes. The seed was preserved and passed down through generations.
Nomenclature:
The name "Brandywine" refers to this tomato’s connection to the famous Brandywine strain, known for its rich flavor and large fruit.
History:
Black Brandywine was introduced by Dr. Harold E. Martin in the 1920s and later passed down to seed expert William Woys Weaver, whose family has preserved the variety for generations.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals, though the leaves and stems of the tomato plant are not edible.
Climate Adaptability:
Thrives in warm, sunny climates and requires a long growing season for optimal fruit production.
