Lycopersicon 'Bradley' |
Origin: University of Arkansas cultivar
Zone Range: all
Preferred Situation: Full sun; well draining fertile soil.
Description:
76 days. A strong determinate variety bred in 1961 by the University of Arkansas and continues to be popular with the home gardeners and farmer's market folks due to its consistent high production and tolerance to humid summer conditions. Bushy plants produce an abundance of dark pink smooth globe uniformed shaped 6-10 ounce clustered fruits with a wonderful old fashioned flavour. Great for slicing, eating, canning and freezing. Fruits ripen uniformly so harvesting (thus processing) can be done in one sweep…but bring sturdy baskets. Shows resistance to Fuscarium wilt.
Notes:
Open pollinated. Bigger the roots at transplant (mid May) bigger the harvest. Prune sparingly. Protect from rain; water at plant base never foliage except foliar feeds. Heavy feeder; use balanced organic fertilizer. Excess nitrogen= leaves no fruit; no calcium=blossom end rot; extreme heat=blossom drop.
Cultivation:
Sow 5 mm deep. Keep moist; plastic cover improves success. Opt. germination temp: 18-25 C. Days to germ: 5-10. All tomatoes drop their blooms when temperatures reach 85 F or greater, so make sure your tomatoes don't get over heated. Blossom end rot is a nutritional disorder where a lack of calcium causes the fruit to rot from the blossom end so be sure you use something like rock phosphate (22% calcium) when amending your tomato beds/growing medium. Use mulch to retain moisture or prevent water from splashing up on your plants as tomatoes hate having their foliage wet...NEVER WATER FROM ABOVE...its like someone splashing a cold bucket of water on you! See our tomato article under 'Confessions of a Mad Gardener' for growing information.
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