🌱 Introduction and history

The Floradade Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Floradade’) is a popular garden favourite in South Africa and beyond. Originally bred in the United States to combine flavour with disease resistance, this tomato variety has found a warm welcome in many home gardens thanks to its reliable production and sturdy nature. It’s not indigenous to Africa but has adapted well to our local growing conditions, especially in warmer climates.

Tomatoes have been cultivated for centuries and are a staple in both traditional and modern cooking across the globe. The Floradade stands out as a robust cultivar, prized for its firm fruits and resistance to common tomato diseases, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Whether tossed fresh in a salad or cooked into a hearty stew, the Floradade Tomato offers versatility with a burst of colour and nutrition.

If you’re keen to grow a tomato that’s both tasty and tenacious, the Floradade is a top contender for your garden this season.

💊 Medicinal Benefits

• May support antioxidant health due to lycopene and beta-carotene content.
• Traditionally used for its vitamins A and C, which may help support immune function.
• May help promote healthy skin and vision.
• Rich in antioxidants that may support overall cellular health.
• Note: These benefits are nutritional and general; always consult a healthcare provider for specific health concerns.

📅 When to Plant in South Africa

Best sowing months | September – October

Best transplanting months |  October – November |

| Province       | Notes 
|——————|——————————————————————————–
| Western Cape | Coastal and inland; mild frost risk
| Eastern Cape    | Coastal areas milder; inland may need frost protection
| Northern Cape | Hot and dry; irrigation essential
| Free State        | Inland with frost risk; start indoors recommended
| KwaZulu-Natal | Coastal heat and humidity; good seedling success
| Gauteng            | Frost risk inland; protect young plants
| Mpumalanga    | Warm climate; regular watering important
| Limpopo            | Hot summer; watch for pests
| North West        | Dry and hot; mulching recommended

🏡 Where to Plant

Floradade Tomatoes thrive best planted directly in well-prepared garden beds where the soil drains well and is rich in organic matter. They also do well in large containers (minimum 30cm diameter) provided they receive full sun and consistent watering. If you have a greenhouse or a sheltered spot, this can extend your growing season and protect young plants from harsh winds.

Choose a location protected from strong winds but with good air circulation to reduce disease risk. Microclimates that receive morning sun and afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress during the hot summer months. Raised beds also work well to improve drainage and soil quality.

🌞 Soil, Water & Sunlight Requirements

✅ Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Amend garden beds with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

✅ Sunlight: Full sun – at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.

✅ Water: Regular watering 2-3 times per week, increasing during dry, hot spells. Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce fungal diseases.

✅ Fertilize: Feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced tomato fertilizer or organic compost tea to support fruiting.

✅ Spacing: Plant 45-60 cm apart (18-24 inches) to allow good airflow and room for growth.

✅ Seeds germinate: 5-10 days at 20-25°C. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

✅ Transplanting: Transplant seedlings at 6-8 weeks old once they have 2-3 true leaves. Hardening off by gradually exposing seedlings to outdoor conditions for a week is recommended.

✅ Maturity height: Typically 90-150 cm tall, depending on pruning and support.

✅ Varieties of the vegetable and easiest/hardest one to grow:
– Easiest: Floradade (disease resistant, good yield)
– Other common types: Roma (paste type), Cherry tomatoes (small fruits, prolific), Beefsteak (larger fruits, more disease prone)
– Hardest: Heirloom varieties (often less resistant to pests/disease)

🍓 Flowers & Fruit

Floradade Tomatoes produce yellow star-shaped flowers which develop into medium-sized, round, firm tomatoes. Flowers appear about 5-7 weeks after sowing, with fruit ready to harvest approximately 70-80 days from transplanting. Regular picking encourages continued fruit set.

To prevent the plant from bolting or dropping fruit, avoid water stress by keeping soil evenly moist. Using shade cloth during extreme heat can reduce flower drop. Pollination is mostly done by wind and insects; planting near pollinator-friendly companions encourages fruit set.

🌼 Companion Plants

• Basil: Repels pests like whiteflies and improves tomato flavour.
• Marigold: Deters nematodes and aphids.
• Carrot: Breaks up soil and attracts beneficial insects.
• Garlic: Repels spider mites and aphids.
• Borage: Attracts pollinators and improves soil nutrients.
• Nasturtium: Trap crop for aphids and whiteflies.
• Chives: Repels aphids and improves plant health.
• Avoid planting near cabbage and fennel, which can stunt tomato growth or attract pests.

🐛 Common Pests

• Aphids: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs.
• Whiteflies: Use yellow sticky traps; neem oil sprays.
• Hornworms: Handpick and remove them early.
• Spider mites: Spray with water and neem oil regularly.
• Organic prevention includes companion planting, crop rotation, and mulching to reduce pest habitat.

🧺 Harvesting

Harvest Floradade Tomatoes when they are fully coloured (red) and slightly soft to the touch. Early morning is the best time to pick, ensuring the fruit is cool and firm. Regular harvesting every few days encourages more fruit production. The “cut-and-come-again” method is not applicable as tomatoes are harvested by picking whole fruit.

🫙 Storage

Fresh tomatoes are best stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve flavour. If ripe, they can be refrigerated for a few days but bring back to room temperature before eating for best taste. Tomatoes can be frozen whole or chopped for cooking later, or canned/preserved as sauces and chutneys.

🧪 How to Use as Medicine

Floradade Tomatoes are mainly nutritional. Here are some simple ways to use them safely for their health benefits:
– Eat fresh in salads to benefit from antioxidants.
– Cook into stews or sauces to increase lycopene availability.
– Make a fresh tomato juice (1-2 medium tomatoes blended with a pinch of salt).
– Add chopped tomatoes to herbal infusions or food for a vitamin boost.

Start with small amounts if you’re trying tomatoes medicinally to check tolerance. Avoid if allergic or if prone to acid reflux. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using tomatoes for medicinal purposes.

💊 Benefits of eating organic verses store bought

• Fresher, more vibrant flavour and texture.
• Reduced pesticide and chemical residues.
• Supports healthier soil microbiomes and biodiversity.
• Encourages sustainable, local food systems and growers.
• Often better nutritional content due to less processing.
• Minimises plastic packaging waste.
• Promotes seasonal eating habits aligned with nature.

🎉 Fun Fact

Floradade Tomatoes are well known for their disease resistance, making them a favourite for gardeners who want a reliable tomato crop without too much fuss!

⚠️ Caution

While Floradade Tomatoes are generally safe, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to nightshade family plants. They can cause reactions in individuals prone to acid reflux or digestive discomfort. Avoid excessive consumption if on blood-thinning medication or with specific health conditions without consulting a professional. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider for medicinal use.

📣 Call to action

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