Bradley Tomato: Complete Growing Guide & Characteristics

The Bradley tomato is a disease-resistant hybrid variety developed by the University of Florida, producing medium-large (8-12 oz) red fruits ideal for slicing with excellent flavor and reliable yields in warm climates.

Discover why home gardeners consistently rank Bradley tomatoes among their top choices for reliable production and classic tomato flavor. This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about growing and using this exceptional variety that combines disease resistance with outstanding taste.

What Makes Bradley Tomatoes Special

Bradley tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum 'Bradley') represent a significant achievement in tomato breeding. Developed by horticulturists at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, this VFN hybrid (resistant to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes) delivers consistent performance where many heirlooms struggle. Gardeners in USDA zones 4-10 appreciate its ability to produce abundant crops of firm, 8-12 ounce fruits with that classic red tomato appearance and balanced sweet-acid flavor profile.

Unlike many disease-resistant hybrids that sacrifice taste, Bradley maintains excellent flavor characteristics that make it perfect for fresh slicing, sandwiches, and summer salads. The indeterminate vines continue producing throughout the growing season when properly maintained, typically reaching maturity in 70-80 days from transplanting.

Growing Bradley Tomatoes Successfully

For optimal results with Bradley tomatoes, follow these proven cultivation practices:

Planting Requirements

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation. Bradley tomatoes thrive in full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil amended with organic matter.

Watering and Nutrition

Maintain consistent moisture levels, providing 1-2 inches of water weekly. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease spread. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula when flowering begins. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature while reducing soil splash that can spread diseases.

Support and Pruning

As an indeterminate variety, Bradley requires sturdy support. Install cages or trellises at planting time to avoid damaging established roots. Remove suckers below the first fruit cluster to direct energy toward fruit production, but maintain 2-3 main stems for optimal yield. Regular pruning improves air circulation and reduces disease pressure.

Bradley Tomato Performance Compared

Understanding how Bradley compares to similar varieties helps gardeners make informed choices. This comparison highlights key differences:

Variety	Disease Resistance	Fruit Size	Days to Maturity	Best Use
Bradley	VFN	8-12 oz	70-80	Slicing, fresh eating
Beefsteak	None	12-16 oz	80-90	Slicing
Roma	F	2-4 oz	75-80	Sauces, canning
Early Girl	VFN	6-8 oz	50-60	All-purpose

When Bradley Tomatoes Excel (and When They Don't)

Bradley performs exceptionally well in warm, humid climates where disease pressure is high—a significant advantage over many heirloom varieties. Gardeners in the Southeastern United States particularly value its resistance to common soil-borne diseases. However, in extremely hot conditions (consistently above 90°F/32°C), fruit set may decrease, and flavor can become less complex.

Bradley isn't the best choice for container gardening due to its vigorous indeterminate growth habit, nor is it ideal for cool coastal climates with short growing seasons. For northern gardeners with shorter seasons, consider starting seeds earlier indoors or using season-extending techniques.

Culinary Applications and Storage

The firm texture and balanced flavor of Bradley tomatoes make them exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Their thick walls and minimal seed gel create perfect slices for sandwiches and burgers without becoming soggy. Many home chefs prefer Bradley for fresh caprese salads, where its classic tomato flavor shines without overwhelming other ingredients.

For best flavor, store harvested tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigeration, which damages texture and flavor compounds. If you have a surplus, Bradley tomatoes freeze well for winter sauces or can be dried for concentrated flavor. Their moderate acidity makes them excellent for fresh salsas and relishes.

Bradley Tomato Evolution Timeline

The development of Bradley represents decades of tomato breeding progress:

• 1940s-1960s: Initial focus on disease resistance in commercial varieties
• 1970s: University of Florida begins systematic breeding for Southern climate adaptation
• 1980s: Introduction of VFN resistance as standard in many commercial varieties
• 1992: Bradley tomato officially released by University of Florida
• 2000s-Present: Continued popularity among home gardeners despite newer varieties

Gardeners consistently report high satisfaction with Bradley's reliable production and classic flavor. According to surveys from university extension programs, 82% of gardeners who try Bradley continue growing it in subsequent seasons, citing disease resistance and consistent yields as primary reasons.

Common Bradley Tomato Questions Answered

Based on frequent inquiries from gardeners, here are solutions to typical Bradley tomato challenges:

Why are my Bradley tomatoes cracking? Fruit cracking typically occurs when plants experience irregular watering after dry periods. Maintain consistent soil moisture and apply mulch to regulate water availability. Choosing varieties with tougher skins can also help, though Bradley generally has good crack resistance when properly watered.

How do I prevent blossom end rot? Blossom end rot stems from calcium deficiency often caused by inconsistent watering. Maintain even soil moisture, ensure proper soil pH (6.2-6.8), and consider adding calcium to your fertilizer regimen. Mulching helps regulate soil moisture fluctuations that contribute to this problem.

When should I harvest Bradley tomatoes? Pick fruits when they've developed full color but remain slightly firm. They'll continue ripening off the vine if needed. For best flavor, allow tomatoes to ripen fully on the plant when possible. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.

How tall do Bradley tomato plants grow?

Bradley tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they'll continue growing throughout the season. Most reach 6-8 feet in height when properly supported, requiring sturdy cages or trellising systems to manage their vigorous growth habit.

Are Bradley tomatoes good for canning?

While Bradley tomatoes work for canning, they're better suited for fresh eating due to their higher water content compared to paste varieties like Roma. For canning, consider using Bradley in combination with lower-moisture varieties for better texture in sauces.

How long do Bradley tomato plants produce?

Bradley tomatoes typically produce for 8-10 weeks once they begin fruiting. In frost-free climates, they can produce continuously for several months. In most regions, production continues until the first hard frost kills the vines.

Can Bradley tomatoes grow in containers?

While possible, Bradley isn't ideal for containers due to its vigorous indeterminate growth. If container growing, use a minimum 15-gallon pot with excellent drainage, provide strong support, and water daily during hot weather. Determinate varieties generally perform better in containers.