{"product_id":"floradade-heirloom-tomato-seeds","title":"Floradade Heirloom Tomato Seeds","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFloradade 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–78 days from transplant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, 8–12 oz fruits, round and uniform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep red, smooth skin, firm and meaty flesh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Determinate, open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFloradade 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Type \u0026amp; Harvest Yields\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFloradade 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent crack resistance — one of its defining traits, especially after summer rains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood resistance to fusarium wilt and gray leaf spot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuperior heat tolerance — continues to set fruit in high temperatures that cause blossom drop in other varieties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTip: Consistent, deep watering reduces blossom end rot and improves fruit uniformity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips \u0026amp; Planting Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing: 24–36 inches between plants in rows 36–48 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport: Cage or stake at planting — compact plants but fruit is heavy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow depth: ¼ inch deep indoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 5–10 days at soil temps of 70–80°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull sun — at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch heavily to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature during summer heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhen to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\"\u003eUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants \u0026amp; Mutual Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBasil\u003c\/strong\u003e — the classic pairing; repels aphids and whiteflies, and many gardeners swear it improves tomato flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarigolds\u003c\/strong\u003e — deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies throughout the garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarrots\u003c\/strong\u003e — loosen soil around tomato roots and attract beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParsley\u003c\/strong\u003e — attracts predatory insects that feed on tomato pests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid planting near:\u003c\/strong\u003e fennel and brassicas — both inhibit tomato growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Enjoy\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSliced Fresh:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thick, firm slices with sea salt and fresh basil — a summer classic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSandwiches \u0026amp; Burgers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, sturdy slices hold up beautifully without falling apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCanning \u0026amp; Sauce:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, low-moisture flesh makes excellent crushed tomatoes, marinara, and salsa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaprese:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair thick slices with fresh mozzarella, basil, and good olive oil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoasted:\u003c\/strong\u003e Halve and roast with olive oil and garlic for a rich, concentrated tomato base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love Floradade Tomato\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBred specifically for hot, humid climates — sets fruit reliably when others fail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, meaty fruits with classic, full-bodied tomato flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuperior crack resistance — fewer losses after summer rains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeterminate growth means compact plants and a concentrated, manageable harvest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA trusted Southern garden staple with decades of proven performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHarvest Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest when fruits are fully deep red and give slightly to gentle pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePick regularly to encourage continued production and prevent overripening on the vine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore at room temperature — never refrigerate fresh tomatoes; cold destroys flavor and texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor canning, harvest all at once when the bulk of the crop ripens for the most efficient processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSave seeds from your best fruits — ferment, rinse, and dry for next season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrder Today\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack of 10 seeds","offer_id":53879646159162,"sku":null,"price":0.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Garden Pack of 25 seeds - 🌱 Best Value","offer_id":53879646191930,"sku":null,"price":2.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/7850\/9626\/files\/floradade-tomato-harvest-basket.png?v=1786152905","url":"https:\/\/gardenheirloomseeds.com\/products\/floradade-heirloom-tomato-seeds","provider":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}