The Best Tomato to Grow in Georgia

Watch out "Beef Boys," the heirloom Brandywine tomato is taking the lead as the best tomato to grow in Georgia. While newer hybrid tomatoes continue to dominate most Georgia gardens, the heirloom tomato is gaining popularity and making a comeback.

Vine ripe tomatoes

Facts

The Brandywine traces back to 1885. The fruit is pinkish red and grows from 1 to 1.5 pounds, maturing in 80 days.

Considerations

One difference between raising heirloom tomatoes instead of standard tomatoes is that most heirloom tomato growers purchase their plants as seeds. For the gardener that prefers to have tomato plants that are already started, several garden centers in the Georgia area now sell the Brandywine tomato already grown into small potted plants, ready to transplant.

Planting

When started from seed, plants should initially be grown indoors. Transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed. Brandywine, like other heirloom tomatoes, prefer a trellis to climb and should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart.

Care

Brandywines prefer bright, direct sunlight and ample amounts of water. During hot Georgia summers, plants should be watered first thing in the morning or in the early evening after the heat of day has subsided.

Problems

Unlike hybrid tomatoes, heirlooms are more susceptible to disease. Blight, blossom end rot and fruit cracking are just a few of the problems that could occur. If these problems are encountered during a growing season, tomato plants purchased the next year should be planted away from the area (crop rotation) to lessen the chance of this problem recurring.

References

• Problems