Mike, your illustration photo looks just like the 'Bandywine' we grew many years ago. Over the years we have tried both purchased seed and started plants carrying this name. None of them seem to really be the same tomato from all those years ago.
Can you tell me a source for the true 'Brandywine'?

Hi Lynn,

The history of what we can call the "Brandywine" category is complex, convoluted and riddled with errors, myth, and lore. It is still getting sorted out but what we do know is that regardless of what you read on most seed sites, the original 'Brandywine' tomato was regular leaf, red fruited and released by Johnson and Stokes in 1889.

For whatever reason, the name is now associated with many different varieties, probably for marketing reasons. There are pinks, yellow, black, etc.

To compound things, several years back, the primary commercial grower of tomato seeds for most of the garden seed companies, mixed up their stock. It was a mess and some seed companies, I suppose in an effort to save face, simply changed their descriptions! That is how red, potato leaf "Brandywine" appeared.

Since we raise our tomato seeds, we didn't get caught up in all that drama. The 'Brandywine' that we offer is red and regular leaf. We do also carry pink, 'Sudduth Strain' and yellow.

Best,

Mike

Your above post explains why we could never find the tomato we knew as Brandywine. Everything we find now is potato leaved. On my way to get some seed. Thank you Mike.

Thank you, Lynn. I think that most of the reputable companies have their stock straightened out. This was an event that happened quite a few years back.

Mike

Everything offered in my area as 'Brandywine' has been the potato leaf type, and not the same color or shape. I look forward to starting the seed I just purchased from Victory Seed Company.
Again, thank you so much for your help.

Thank you, Lynn. We have been growing this one here on the farm (just up the road from you) since 2003 and it does quite well. Our parent stock was sent to us by collector and tomato expert, Craig LeHoullier.

Keep me posted how it goes this summer. ~Mike

I didn't realize until just now that you are so close to where I live. That means you would be a perfect source for what would grow well in Dallas, OR.
I will keep you posted.

Hi Lynn,

The focus of our preservation mission is far reaching. Although we are local, we do not try to focus on being a local company. I only say that because there are things, (certain day-length sensitive onions, some very late season Southern peas, etc.) that are tough to grow here.

But for the most part, we are blessed with a really good growing season and can grow just about anything here with a little planning and care. If you ever have questions, feel free to shoot me an email.

Best,

Mike

Thank you for your help and information Mike. It is much appreciated.