Tomato 'Brandywine (Quisenberry/Sudduth's Strain)'
Solanum lycopersicum
Brandywine tomatoes have become so ubiquitous, I thought I thought I'd share some of this strain's rich history versus waxing on poetically about it's incredible flavor (which is par excellence, ahem, just in case).
Considered the best strain, this variety was first introduced around 1979 by Ben Quisenberry, though its history spans at least a century before its release. It was a treasured family heirloom, passed down from mother to daughter and saved for over a hundred years before being shared with Quisenberry.
You may occasionally see it referred to as "Sudduth's strain" or "Quisenberry strain," but they are one and the same. While there’s been a lot of speculation about the origin of this strain, Amy Goldman addresses this in her book The Heirloom Tomato, noting that most of it is either idle or inaccurate. What is widely accepted is that Dorris Sudduth Hill gave the seeds to Ben Quisenberry, and she even shares a very sweet story about finding Dorris. If you're curious, I recommend reading her book for the full story.
Ben himself said in a 1981 interview, "I'm very fond of tomatoes . . . Brandywine, it has a kind of sharp-like taste to it, you know. I believe it's my favorite, Brandywine. You know the lady that sent me the seed told me they had been in the family for over a hundred years!"
For Ben to call it his favorite is quite the compliment. When he retired in 1981, he was the oldest active tomato seedsman in America at the age of 94! He started raising novelty tomatoes in 1956 and by the late 60s, his tomatoes were advertised in magazines and he was selling seeds in every state. He processed his tomatoes by hand for seed and even printed his own Big Tomato Gardens price list and seed packets—printing bits of wisdom on the back. A man after my own heart! His story is so sweet, it could make you cry (who splashed champagne in my eye). Highly recommend The Heirloom Tomato to learn more about his story.
Brandywines are best for fresh eating. Indeterminate. Seed is certified organic.
Packet contains approximately 20 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Shape: Beefsteak
Days to maturity: 78 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 24” apart in rows 4’ apart
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 75–85°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 5–6 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. There is no need to start any earlier as leggy, root-bound, or flowering transplants can cause stunting and reduce early production (we even prefer small transplants). Once germinated, grow at 60–70°F. At first true leaf, pot-up to 50-cell trays or 4" pots. Always bury all the way up to first set of leaves to develop strong root system (plants develop roots from stems).
We mostly grow indeterminate varieties, which are vine-like plants that continue to grow throughout the season. It's best to provide support, such as a tomato cage, trellis, basket weave, or string and clip system (anything they can grow up vertically). Indeterminates benefit by removing all suckers directly below the first flower cluster. Once fruit beings to set, we also prune out any leaves below to encourage air circulation.
Harvest & Storage
Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths. Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
