How to Grow Bloodred Tomato
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Bloodred Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Bloodred'
vegetableBloodred is a heirloom determinate tomato variety prized for its deep crimson-red color and rich, complex flavor. The medium-sized fruits are globe-shaped and known for their excellent taste and smooth skin. This variety produces a concentrated harvest and is popular among home gardeners and tomato enthusiasts.
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Example Bloodred Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bloodred Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bloodred Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bloodred Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9 are ideal; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension techniques
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves emerging, delicate green stems and cotyledons visible
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (12-16 hours daily under grow lights). Maintain temperature 70-75°F. Avoid leggy growth by providing adequate light.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksYoung plants developing multiple sets of true leaves and stronger stems; plant reaches 3-6 inches tall
Thin to one plant per cell if needed. Continue bright light and maintain warm temperatures. Begin gentle air circulation with a fan. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors.
Transplant & Establishment
2-3 weeks transitionPlants 6-8 inches tall with well-developed root systems; begin outdoor hardening process or transplant to garden
Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant deeply (bury stem up to first leaves). Provide support stakes or cages immediately. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material.
Flowering & Fruiting
4-6 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters; small green fruits form and begin to enlarge and change color
Maintain consistent watering. Begin light pruning of lower leaves for air circulation. Support developing fruit with cages or stakes. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer. Remove some suckers on indeterminate varieties if needed.
Harvest
3-4 weeks or until frostFruits turn deep crimson-red when fully ripe; skin glossy and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure
Harvest when fully red for peak flavor and sweetness. Tomatoes at the mature green stage can be picked and ripened indoors. Continue watering and feeding plants to encourage additional fruit production until frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars daily; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps; neem oil as preventive
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Yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil
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Increase humidity; strong water spray; miticide or sulfur dust if severe; neem oil; ensure adequate watering
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Remove infected lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Maintain consistent soil moisture; mulch heavily; ensure adequate calcium; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
Uses
Fresh eating and classic tomato dishes
CulinaryBloodred tomatoes are exceptional for fresh eating straight from the garden, sliced in salads, or used in classic dishes like caprese, pasta sauces, and salsas. Their rich, balanced sweet-acid profile makes them ideal for fresh applications where tomato flavor truly shines. [source]
Sauce and preservation
CulinaryThe concentrated, deep flavor of Bloodred makes it excellent for homemade tomato sauce, marinara, and canning. The fruit's natural acidity and texture are ideal for processing into long-keeping sauces and pastes. [source]
Juices and beverages
CulinaryThe rich color and robust tomato flavor make Bloodred suitable for fresh tomato juice, gazpacho, and Bloody Mary cocktails. The natural sugars and acidity create well-balanced beverages. [source]
Lycopene and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalTomatoes, especially deeply colored varieties like Bloodred, are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with cardiovascular and prostate health. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Natural dye and compost
HouseholdOverripe or excess Bloodred tomatoes can be used as a natural dye source for fabric projects or composted to enrich garden soil with nutrients for the next season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to touch for best flavor. Harvest in morning when vines are dry. Bloodred is a determinate variety, so it produces concentrated fruit set and ripens over a 3-4 week period. For longer storage, pick at mature green stage and ripen indoors (2-3 weeks at room temperature). Use clean pruners or gently twist off fruit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bloodred is a heritage heirloom variety that has been passed down through generations of gardeners and seed savers, with roots dating back to traditional tomato breeding before modern hybrid dominance
- 🌱 The deep crimson color comes from high lycopene content, which increases as the tomato ripens fully on the vine—waiting for deep red color ensures maximum flavor and nutritional value
- 🌱 Tomato plants are actually perennials in tropical climates but are grown as annuals in temperate zones; with protection, a Bloodred plant could theoretically produce for multiple seasons
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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