Bradley Tomato

Sow Bradley seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Press seeds into moist seed-starting mix and maintain soil temperature between 70-75°F for reliable germination, which typically occurs within 5-10 days. Provide bright, consistent light once seedlings emerge, and thin to one strong plant per cell. Harden off transplants over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting.

Transplant Bradley seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Space plants 18 inches apart with rows 36 inches apart. Plant slightly deeper than the nursery pot to encourage additional root development along buried stem sections.

Bradley fruits typically ripen 80-89 days after transplanting. Harvest tomatoes when they reach full red color, firm with slight give when gently pressed. The variety's crack resistance means you don't need to race to pick fruit at peak ripeness; these tomatoes hold on the plant without splitting, allowing you to harvest at leisure. Twist or cut fruits from the vine to avoid damaging branches. For extended season production in cool climates, pick mature green fruits near the end of the growing season and ripen indoors at room temperature.

Bradley's semi-determinate growth habit benefits from selective pruning to balance productivity with plant management. Remove lower leaves and suckers once flowering begins to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure, particularly important in humid climates where the variety was bred. Since the plant doesn't require aggressive sucking like indeterminate types, focus instead on removing diseased or damaged foliage and thinning dense growth where air cannot move freely.