BrandyFred Tomato
Price: $3.95
SKU: 3403531This "Dwarf Tomato Project" variety was selected from the "Tasty family" (a cross made and named by Vince Lavallo in 2008 between 'Dwarf Wild Fred' and 'Brandywine'). Involved in its stabilization were Vince, Linda Black, Craig LeHoullier, Robbins Hail, Bill Yoder, Richard Watson, Patrick Sullivan, Sandra Tipton, Shawn Conant, and Bill Minkey. Introduced for the 2016 gardening season.
Fruit Color: Black
Special Groups: Container Friendly
Special Groups: Dwarf Tomato Project
Harvest Timing: Main Crop / Mid-Season
Full light and cooler temps (60° to 70°) will help to prevent the seedlings from becoming too leggy. If plants become rootbound before you can safely set them into the ground, transplant them into larger pots.
Harden off plants before planting outside. Young plants are very susceptible to frost and sunburn damage. Avoid too much nitrogen. Water evenly but not in excess.
Click here to view our full tomato growing guide.
Customer Reviews:
By Kathy (Phoenix) on April 23, 2025
I had a lot of hope for this dwarf tomato but it underwhelmed me. It was super slow growing and didn't start to put fruit out until will after all of my other tomatoes - planted at the same time, in the same soil and getting the same sun and nutrients. The plants grew to be about 3 feet tall and did not set a lot of fruit. The tomatoes, while pretty, were kinda bland and watery tasting.
By Anna Ferris (East SF bay, California 9b) on March 24, 2025
Boronia and Tie Dye dwarfs easily out perform this one in terms of volume of fruit, in my yard
In California. The fruit I did get was very tasty! But I'm sticking W boronia and tie dye for my
Main producer and…..trying some new ones too!!! Dwarf tomatoes forever!!
By Linda (Nw Washington) on March 7, 2025
Grew in large grow bag. Very healthy plant no early wilt. I didn't stake and I should have because they fell over in a wind storm and broke some limbs. This year will stake and tie them up.
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By Frank Seelye (Central Pennsylvania) on August 17, 2024
I grew two of these plants this year. Production was not that great. Three or Four tomatoes per plant before succumbing to disease. The flavor was good. Not sure I will grow this one again.
By L Oliver (Central MIssouri) on July 29, 2024
I am in LOVE with this tomato. I planted in ground (not container). This hardy, compact plant is holding up very well to the Missouri heat & humidity. Has set on a good number of fruits already & is still blooming. Superior flavor. One tomato is a meal for 2 people. The fruits have not cracked. It will be one I plant each year.
By Craig LeHoullier (Hendersonville, NC) on December 8, 2023
This tomato stood out in a large scale trial of dwarf tomato project varieties. The health plant produced plenty of medium to large purple tomatoes with truly excellent, full flavor. This is clearly one of our best creations.
By Roy Houston on July 28, 2019
I tried about ten new dwarf tomatoes this year. The 'BrandyFred' was by far the best tasting tomato. Good disease resistance for my area. Only five fruits on a plant but they are large. You will need to stake this plant or it will fall over.
