History
Floradade Tomato is a classic American heirloom developed by the University of Florida in the 1970s as a successor to the beloved Homestead variety — bred specifically to thrive in the intense heat and humidity of Southern gardens where other tomatoes struggle to perform. Designed for reliability, crack resistance, and consistent fruit set through the hottest months of summer, Floradade quickly earned a loyal following among home gardeners and market growers across the South and beyond. Its large, firm, deep-red fruits carry the honest, full-bodied tomato flavor that defined generations of American backyard gardens — rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Open-pollinated and non-GMO.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 74–78 days from transplant
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Fruit Size: Large, 8–12 oz fruits, round and uniform
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Color: Deep red, smooth skin, firm and meaty flesh
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Plant Type: Determinate, open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom
Flavor Profile
Floradade delivers the classic, full-bodied tomato flavor that home gardeners have depended on for decades — rich, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying with a clean blend of sweetness and acidity. The flesh is dense, meaty, and low in moisture, making it ideal for thick slices, sandwiches, and cooking. The flavor is honest and straightforward — the kind of tomato that tastes exactly like a tomato should, with no gimmicks. Flavor deepens as fruit fully ripens on the vine in the summer heat.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Floradade is a determinate variety that grows to a compact, manageable size and concentrates its fruit set in a defined window — ideal for gardeners who want a reliable, predictable harvest for fresh eating, canning, or preserving. Plants grow 4–5 feet tall and produce heavily, with multiple large fruits per cluster. Determinate growth means less pruning and staking than indeterminate varieties, making Floradade one of the most low-maintenance large-fruited tomatoes available. Its superior heat tolerance and crack resistance make it a standout performer in hot, humid summers.
Disease Resistance
- Excellent crack resistance — one of its defining traits, especially after summer rains
- Good resistance to fusarium wilt and gray leaf spot
- Superior heat tolerance — continues to set fruit in high temperatures that cause blossom drop in other varieties
- Tip: Consistent, deep watering reduces blossom end rot and improves fruit uniformity
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: 24–36 inches between plants in rows 36–48 inches apart
- Support: Cage or stake at planting — compact plants but fruit is heavy
- Sow depth: ¼ inch deep indoors
- Germination: 5–10 days at soil temps of 70–80°F
- Full sun — at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Prefers rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature during summer heat
When to Plant
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and all frost danger has passed. Do not direct sow outdoors. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Basil — the classic pairing; repels aphids and whiteflies, and many gardeners swear it improves tomato flavor
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Marigolds — deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies throughout the garden
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Carrots — loosen soil around tomato roots and attract beneficial insects
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Parsley — attracts predatory insects that feed on tomato pests
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Avoid planting near: fennel and brassicas — both inhibit tomato growth
How to Enjoy
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Sliced Fresh: Thick, firm slices with sea salt and fresh basil — a summer classic
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Sandwiches & Burgers: Large, sturdy slices hold up beautifully without falling apart
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Canning & Sauce: Dense, low-moisture flesh makes excellent crushed tomatoes, marinara, and salsa
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Caprese: Pair thick slices with fresh mozzarella, basil, and good olive oil
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Roasted: Halve and roast with olive oil and garlic for a rich, concentrated tomato base
Why Gardeners Love Floradade Tomato
- Bred specifically for hot, humid climates — sets fruit reliably when others fail
- Large, meaty fruits with classic, full-bodied tomato flavor
- Superior crack resistance — fewer losses after summer rains
- Determinate growth means compact plants and a concentrated, manageable harvest
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- A trusted Southern garden staple with decades of proven performance
Harvest Tips
- Harvest when fruits are fully deep red and give slightly to gentle pressure
- Pick regularly to encourage continued production and prevent overripening on the vine
- Store at room temperature — never refrigerate fresh tomatoes; cold destroys flavor and texture
- For canning, harvest all at once when the bulk of the crop ripens for the most efficient processing
- Save seeds from your best fruits — ferment, rinse, and dry for next season
Order Today
Add Floradade Heirloom Tomato Seeds to your garden this season and grow one of the most heat-tolerant and reliable slicing tomatoes ever developed for the American home garden. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
