How to Grow BRS 237
BRS 237
Solanum lycopersicum
vegetableBRS 237 is a Brazilian heirloom tomato variety developed by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) known for its exceptional flavor and disease resistance. This indeterminate variety produces medium-sized fruits with a rich, complex taste profile and performs well in tropical and subtropical climates.
When should you plant BRS 237 in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example BRS 237 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant BRS 237
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 BRS 237
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact BRS 237 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best in warm zones 9-11; can be grown in zone 8 with protection and strategic timing
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Get my BRS 237 timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; cotyledons present
Provide bright light, maintain soil moisture without waterlogging, thin to strongest seedlings, maintain 65-75°F temperature
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple branches with abundant foliage; no flowers yet; stems become woody
Harden off transplants gradually, plant outdoors after last frost, provide support structure or stakes, apply mulch around base, monitor for pests
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flower clusters appear in leaf axils; plant is vigorous and bushy
Continue consistent watering, avoid over-fertilizing (reduces fruiting), monitor for blossom end rot (calcium issue), prune suckers on indeterminate varieties
Fruiting & Development
4-6 weeksGreen marble-sized fruits develop from flowers; gradually enlarge over 4-6 weeks; fruits begin color change from green to light pink
Maintain steady water supply, provide balanced fertilizer, ensure adequate air circulation, continue pruning lower leaves as fruits ripen
Ripening & Harvest
2-3 weeks per fruitFruits transition from pink to full red color; fruits become fragrant; skin glossy and slightly soft to touch
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, allow vines to remain on plant for peak flavor, harvest when fully red and slightly yielding to pressure, continue harvesting until frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use reflective mulch, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray, yellow sticky traps; introduce parasitic wasps for biological control
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Hand-pick caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), encourage parasitic wasps, inspect undersides of leaves
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or sulfur dust, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Improve air circulation, remove infected leaves, apply sulfur fungicide, avoid wetting foliage
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Remove lower infected leaves, improve drainage and airflow, mulch to prevent spore splash, apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicide
Uses
Fresh eating & salads
CulinaryBRS 237 is prized for its complex, rich tomato flavor with excellent balance of acidity and sweetness, making it ideal for fresh consumption, slicing, and gourmet salads. The heirloom characteristics provide superior taste compared to commercial varieties. [source]
Sauces & preserves
CulinaryThe concentrated flavors and solid flesh make BRS 237 excellent for tomato sauce, paste, and canning. The variety's disease resistance and productivity make it practical for home preservation projects. [source]
Antioxidant nutrition
MedicinalTomatoes contain lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C with potential cardiovascular and cancer-preventive properties. BRS 237's fuller flavor development may indicate higher phytochemical concentrations. [source]
Pest management applications
HouseholdTomato foliage contains alkaloid compounds that can be used to create natural pest deterrent sprays for garden use against certain insects. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers provide nectar and pollen resources for bees and beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity during the growing 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
Harvest fruits when fully red and slightly soft to gentle pressure; twist and pull gently from vine; BRS 237 develops exceptional flavor when allowed to ripen fully on the plant; pick in early morning; can be harvested at breaker stage (first color appearance) if needed and ripened indoors
Fun Facts
- 🌱 BRS 237 was developed by Embrapa specifically for tropical and subtropical growing conditions, making it exceptionally well-suited to hot, humid climates where many other tomato varieties struggle with disease
- 🌱 The variety name '237' reflects its identification number in Embrapa's breeding program, representing years of careful selection for disease resistance and flavor quality in Brazilian growing conditions
- 🌱 BRS 237 demonstrates strong resistance to common tropical tomato diseases including fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt, reducing the need for chemical fungicides
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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