Description

Description

Floradade Tomato - A Southern Delight for Every Garden

For years, our customers have asked us for a juicy slicing tomato that will grow in our harsh, arid climate. Finally, one of our customers turned us on to this special tomato. It's like the Goldilocks story - not too big, not too small, but just right, and our climate doesn't phase it. It's pronounced flor-uh-DADE (think "Florida" and "Dade County"), and it's a tomato gardener's dream: the Floradade. Born with a mission, this variety brings delicious, reliable harvests to gardeners facing tough growing conditions. It laughs in the face of heat and humidity, shrugs off common diseases, and still delivers a bountiful harvest, even when other varieties struggle. But here's the secret: it's also surprisingly adaptable to drier conditions. And the flavor? The perfect summer taste – a delightful balance that is sweet, tangy, and irresistible.

Details

Ripe tomatoes hang like plump, smooth jewels on the vine, each globe-shaped, luscious red fruit weighing in at a generous 5-7 ounces and promising a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, the classic flavor of summer whether enjoyed fresh off the vine or simmered into a rich, savory sauce. Floradade's determinate growth habit makes them an excellent choice for container gardening for those with limited space. This open-pollinated variety is a classic example of traditional plant breeding at its best, quickly gaining popularity, especially in the Southeast, for its ability to not only survive but thrive in hot and humid conditions.

Floradade tomatoes are determinate, reaching a compact, bush-like size (36-60" high and 24-36" wide). They produce their fruit all at once, ideal for gardeners who appreciate a single, larger harvest. Unlike indeterminate varieties that sprawl and produce fruit throughout the season, they offer a more manageable growth habit. Well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10, they can even be grown year-round in Zones 9 and 10 with proper care and protection.

History

Born from Florida’s unique challenges, the Floradade tomato is a prime example of the expertise and art of traditional plant breeding. Developed by the University of Florida and released in 1976, this open-pollinated variety was bred to thrive in the Southern United States' heat and humidity and resist common diseases like Fusarium wilt and nematodes, which often plague gardens in warm, humid climates. The breeding program involved carefully crossing various tomato lines, selecting for the perfect combination of heat tolerance, disease resistance, and exceptional fruit quality. This remarkable ability to set fruit even in high temperatures is crucial for Southern gardeners, ensuring a bountiful harvest when other varieties might falter. Beyond its heat-loving nature, it also displays surprising adaptability to drier conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in a wider range of climates. The result of this dedicated effort gave us medium-sized, firm, flavorful tomatoes, perfect for both fresh eating and preserving – a true gift to home gardeners and market growers alike.

Uses

The Floradade tomato is primarily known as a slicing tomato, prized for its fresh eating qualities. Its firm texture and balanced flavor make it ideal for slicing and adding to sandwiches and salads. The medium-sized fruits are perfect for enjoying fresh from the vine or incorporating into dishes where a classic tomato flavor is desired. It also shines in cooked dishes like sauces, stews, and roasted preparations. Its firm texture, lower water content, and ability to hold its shape and flavor make it a great choice for canning.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can further enhance your tomato harvest. Basil, marigolds, and onions are excellent companions, offering pest protection and potentially even improving flavor.

Avoid planting near members of the cabbage family, corn, fennel, potatoes, and eggplant.

Planting and Growing Tips

Starting your tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost will give you a head start. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the danger of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed to 60°F, spacing them 18-36 inches apart. While determinate, these tomatoes appreciate the support of stakes or cages. No need to prune suckers – let them grow and produce their bountiful harvest!

While adaptable to a range of conditions, they truly shine in well-draining, loose soil, ideally a sandy loam. Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) is essential for optimal growth and fruit production. Consistent moisture is also crucial, but avoid overwatering. Mulching and drip irrigation on a timer can help maintain even soil moisture.

Harvest Tips

For the best flavor and texture, gather your ripe tomatoes in the cool of the morning, before the sun climbs high. This simple step helps preserve their delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, minimizes splitting and bruising, and gives you a head start on any garden pests. About 70-80 days after transplanting, your tomatoes will begin to blush and deepen to a rich, vibrant red. Gently pluck them from the vine when they're fully colored and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid letting them overripen on the vine, as this can diminish their flavor and lead to cracking.