Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Floradel Slicer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Start tomatoes inside at first (about 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost), especially if you live in an area with a short growing season. Using a seed starting tray with 27-36 cells, plant 2-3 seeds per cell a quarter inch deep in well-draining soil. Pre-moistened coco coir, potting soil, or a germination mix is best. Water the seeds deeply and keep them moist. Germination will happen between 1 and 2 weeks at 70-80F. Germination at lower temperatures will take longer, and some seeds may not germinate.

As soon as the seedlings break the soil surface, ensure they get a minimum of 8 hours of bright sunlight per day and 8 hours of darkness at night. Once all the seedlings have emerged, thin each cell to only have a single strong seedling. Fertilize once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves. If your tomato seedlings' roots grow to fill the cell they are in completely and there is still at least two weeks before your expected outdoor transplant date, it is best to transplant the seedlings to larger 4 or 6-inch pots to continue growing.

Beginning at least two weeks before the expected transplant date, harden off the seedlings to acclimate them to the new outdoor environment. Do this by placing the seedlings outside for gradually more time each day. At first, shelter them from any cool weather or strong winds. Slowly expose them to these factors. The plants can be transplanted into the garden once temperatures remain above 65F. These tomatoes take about 85 days to reach maturity, so make sure to plant with plenty of time left in the season, but wait until after the final frost to avoid killing your tomato plant. Choose a place in the garden that will receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight, has well-draining, slightly acidic soil, and is somewhat sheltered from cold weather and high winds.

Prepare the soil by mixing compost with the existing soil and making deep holes where plants will be placed. Follow the spacing guidelines provided. Add calcium powder at the bottom of each hole to prevent Blossom End Rot. Remove the bottom two-thirds of leaves on each plant and bury them up to the remaining leaves. Burying them this deep is technically optional, but it encourages lots of root development and, therefore, a well-established plant. Water them immediately after planting. Fertilize soon after transplantation and ensure they receive regular, deep waterings.

While the plants are growing, they should be pruned regularly to remove suckers and bottom leaves. They should have some type of structural support, such as a tomato cage, trellis, or garden twine, to allow their vines to grow upwards. Fertilize at least once more in the middle of the growing season, but be sure to follow any instructions that come with a commercial fertilizer. Well-decomposed compost or worm castings are great options for tomato fertilizer.

If your plants struggle to grow it could be various things. First, check that they are receiving sufficient light. Next, amend your watering practices to be more consistent while allowing them to lightly dry between waterings. Next, check for pests or diseases. See our IPM blog for more information on pest management. Lastly, evaluate your fertilization efforts and make them more consistent or effective.

Harvesting Floradel Slicer Tomatoes

This indeterminate variety of tomatoes will produce fruit throughout the season and does not have just one harvest period. Pick the tomatoes as they ripen. When optimally ripe, floradel tomatoes will be firm, shiny, and bright red. Picking the tomatoes promptly will prevent overburdening the plant and encourage more fruit production. A ripe tomato will usually twist off the plant easily but clippers are also a good alternative. The day before the first hard frost of fall is predicted, harvest all the fruit on the plant regardless of ripeness and continue ripening them indoors.

About Floradel Slicer Tomato Garden Seeds

This is a heirloom, humidity-tolerant, indeterminate, slicing tomato that is suited to growing in garden plots, raised beds and greenhouses. It is resistant to Fusarium Wilt (Race 1) and produces medium-sized tomatoes that are resistant to cracking and perfect for humid areas.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. Flordel fruit ripens to an appetizing bright red color.

Floradel tomato plants will get up to 60 inches tall, so make sure to plan lots of room for them.

Tomatoes have that classic delicious flavor all on their own. However, slicing and adding salt and pepper to both sides of each slice before serving raw elevates and enhances the natural flavors.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Floradel is perfect for anyone living in the southeast United States. It tolerates heat and humidity very well and produces outstanding fruit."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Floradel Slicer Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 1 g - Approximately 265 Seeds
• 1/4 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 600,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Floradel Slicer Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.