Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Floradade

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Growing Floradade Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To grow Floradade tomatoes, begin by sowing the seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches in individual peat pots or seedling trays filled with sterilized, fertile soil. Provide warmth and adequate light to support germination, which typically takes 7-10 days. Once the danger of frost has passed and the weather has considerably warmed, transplant the young seedlings into your garden plot, raised bed, or greenhouse. Make sure to space the plants 18 to 36 inches apart, with rows separated by 36 inches.

When growing Floradade tomatoes, several maintenance tips and companion planting strategies can help optimize your harvest. These tomatoes are determinate, so they benefit from regular attention to ensure their productivity. To support their growth, maintain well-draining, loose soil with slightly acidic pH levels, around 6.2 to 6.8, which retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Avoid excessive nitrogen in the soil to promote fruiting rather than foliage growth, with a preference for phosphorus and potassium. As a heat-tolerant variety, Floradade thrives in warmer climates but might yield less in sandy soils. To enhance their development, consider companion planting with basil to deter common tomato pests, such as aphids and hornworms, and marigolds to repel nematodes. Regularly inspect your plants for potential issues like blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, and other diseases, keeping a consistent watering schedule to avoid overwatering. Finally, protect young transplants from late spring chills with hot caps or cloches, and plant them in full sun, ideally against a south-facing wall to benefit from additional heat reflection.

Harvesting Floradade Tomatoes

Harvesting Floradade tomatoes is a straightforward process, especially given that they are a determinate variety. Determinate tomatoes set their fruit all at once, ending the harvest, so timing is crucial. You'll know it's time to harvest when the tomatoes have reached their full, vibrant red color, and they should feel firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure. Simply grasp the tomato gently but firmly and twist it from the stem, making sure not to damage the plant or the neighboring fruits. It's important to keep an eye on the fruit's color and texture as well as the days to maturity from transplant, which is typically around 74 days. This way, you can plan your harvest effectively, knowing that the majority of the fruit will ripen within a short timeframe. Floradade tomatoes are renowned for their sweet and rich flavor, making them a rewarding addition to your garden or plate.

About Floradade Tomato Garden Seeds

Floradade tomatoes have a rich history rooted in agricultural innovation. This variety was introduced in 1976 by the University of Florida, and its name is a nod to its origins in Dade County, Florida. It was specifically bred to excel in the challenging conditions of the region, particularly the heavy calcareous soils. This adaptability to such specific growing conditions makes Floradade an excellent choice for gardeners dealing with similar soil types, showcasing its resilience in the face of adversity.

Floradade tomatoes were initially bred to exhibit tolerance to the unique soil challenges of Dade County, making them well-suited for gardens with similar conditions. As a determinate variety with a compact growth habit, they thrive in gardens with limited space and are adaptable to both raised beds and greenhouses. However, their compact size might make them less suitable for hanging baskets, as their growth pattern is not ideal for cascading over the sides.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Test and amend your soil as necessary. While they were developed to handle specific soil challenges, it's always a good practice to ensure your soil's pH and nutrient levels align with their preferences. This will help maximize your harvest of these sweet and rich-flavored tomatoes."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Floradade Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 25 Seed Packet
• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 600,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Floradade Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.