50 BLACK BRANDYWINE TOMATO SEEDS Planting and Harvest Guide for Black Brandywine Tomato Black Brandywine Tomato is a variety of heirloom tomato known for its rich, complex flavor and deep purplish-brown color. It requires proper planting and care to ensure a successful harvest. This detailed guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to plant and harvest Black Brandywine Tomato. 1. Planting Preparation: a. Choose a sunny location: Black Brandywine Tomato requires full sun exposure, preferably 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. b. Soil preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. c. Soil pH: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, around 6.0-7.0. d. Start seeds indoors: Start Black Brandywine Tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use sterile seed starting mix in seed trays or individual pots, and keep them in a warm location (around 70F or 21C). e. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of leaves and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden. Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to provide adequate airflow and prevent disease. 2. Planting and Care: a. Dig a hole: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the transplants. b. Planting depth: Place the Black Brandywine Tomato seedlings in the hole,deep enough to cover the roots and the lowest set of leaves. This will encourage strong root development. c. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. d. Watering: Water the plants deeply, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, which may increase the risk of fungal diseases. e. Staking or caging: As the plants grow taller, provide support by staking or caging them to prevent breakage and keep the fruits off the ground. f. Pruning: Though not necessary, pruning the lower branches and suckers can improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. 3. Fertilization: a. Balanced fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, when planting the seedlings. Follow the recommended dosage on the package. b. Side-dressing: Once the plants start fruiting, side-dress them with compost, worm castings, or a low-nitrogen fertilizer to support healthy growth and fruit production. c. Regular feeding: Every 3-4 weeks, provide additional doses of liquid seaweed or fish emulsion fertilizer to ensure the plants receive adequate nutrients. 4. Harvesting: a. Days to maturity: Black Brandywine Tomato usually takes around 80-90 days from transplanting to reach maturity. b. Check for ripeness: Determine ripeness by color change. The Black Brandywine Tomato should turn a deep purplish-brown, almost black color when ripe. c. Firmness test: Gently squeeze the tomato to check for firmness. If it gives slightly under pressure, it is likely ripe and ready to harvest. d. Harvest time: Harvest the fruits by gently twisting them off the plants or cutting them from the stem using a sharp knife or scissors. e. Proper storage: Store the harvested tomatoes at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerate to extend their shelf life. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as it may cause spoilage.