How to Grow Falstaff

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Falstaff

Solanum lycopersicum 'Falstaff'

vegetable

Falstaff is a modern heirloom tomato variety known for its deep burgundy to black coloring and rich, complex flavor. This indeterminate vine produces medium-sized fruits (4-6 oz) with few seeds and dense, meaty flesh ideal for slicing and cooking. It combines disease resistance with excellent taste, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking flavorful dark tomatoes.

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Example Falstaff timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Falstaff
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Falstaff
Around Jul 1

≈ 75 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Falstaff dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily

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Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; deep watering at soil level to prevent fungal diseases; avoid overhead watering

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 75-85 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Start seeds 0.25 inches deep indoors; bury transplants deeply (up to first true leaves) when planting in garden

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced fertilizer (5-5-5 or 10-10-10)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension and in zones 10a with afternoon shade

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small cotyledon leaves emerge, followed by first true leaves; plant is tender and fragile

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light (14-16 hours daily) at 2-3 inches above seedlings; maintain 65-75°F

Vegetative

3-4 weeks from seed indoors before transplanting

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves and a strong root system; main stem thickens and may develop lateral branches

Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting; fertilize weekly with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer; support with stakes or cages early

Flowering

4-6 weeks

First flower clusters appear; plant continues growing taller and developing new leaf sets between flower clusters

Provide consistent water and balanced fertilizer; prune lower leaves as plant grows to improve airflow; tie or support indeterminate vines regularly; pinch suckers (lateral shoots) to direct energy to main stem

Fruiting

6-8 weeks

Tiny green fruits form and gradually enlarge; plants become heavy with foliage and developing fruits; flowers continue appearing on top

Increase potassium and phosphorus (lower nitrogen) to promote fruit development; maintain consistent watering to prevent cracking; continue pruning suckers and lower leaves; ensure strong support structure

Maturation & Harvest

2-4 weeks until full color; continues until frost

Fruits deepen in color from green to rich burgundy-black; skin develops darker striping; flavor develops fully when fully colored

Stop major pruning 4-6 weeks before first frost to allow fruit to finish ripening; pick fruits at full color for best flavor; harvest before hard frost; allow fruits to ripen on the vine for optimal taste

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Carrot Nasturtium Marigold Onion Garlic Borage Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Dill Potatoes Corn Eggplant Peppers

Common Pests

Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for smaller larvae; encourage native parasitic wasps
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur; increase humidity; introduce predatory mites
Remove lower infected leaves; improve airflow; mulch to prevent soil splash; use copper or sulfur fungicides; practice crop rotation
Remove infected plant parts immediately; use copper-based fungicides; ensure proper spacing and air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen; add calcium (crushed eggshells, gypsum); mulch to regulate moisture

Uses

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Slicing and Fresh Eating

Culinary

The meaty, seeded interior and complex flavor make Falstaff excellent for slicing into thick steaks for burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The low seed content and dense flesh prevent sogginess, and the rich taste pairs well with quality bread and simple toppings. [source]

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Sauces and Cooking

Culinary

High in solids and deep umami flavors, Falstaff makes rich, concentrated sauces, soups, and tomato bases. The burgundy color creates visually stunning dishes, and the flavor profile works especially well in Italian cooking. [source]

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Nutritional Benefits

Medicinal

Dark tomatoes like Falstaff are rich in anthocyanins and lycopene, powerful antioxidants linked to cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. These compounds give the fruit its deep coloring and provide significant health benefits. [source]

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Food Preservation

Household

Excellent for canning, freezing, and making tomato paste or powder due to high solids content and concentrated flavor. The low seed content reduces processing time compared to juicy varieties. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Tomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators that support your garden ecosystem. Growing Falstaff alongside flowering herbs creates a pollinator-friendly garden environment. [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 fruits when they reach full deep burgundy-black color with slight give when gently squeezed. Falstaff tomatoes continue to ripen on the vine and develop better flavor if left unharvested until fully colored. For best taste, harvest in morning after dew dries. If frost threatens, pick mature fruits and ripen indoors on a windowsill. Store at room temperature (68-72°F), never refrigerate, as cold degrades flavor.

Fun Facts

🌱 Falstaff is named after the rotund, beloved character from Shakespeare's plays, fitting for a tomato variety known for its rich flavor and substantial, meaty fruits.
🌱 The deep burgundy-black color comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that make blueberries and black currants nutritional powerhouses—making it one of the most antioxidant-rich tomato varieties available.
🌱 Falstaff was bred by crossing Black Krim and Brandywine tomatoes, combining disease resistance from modern breeding with the complex, old-fashioned flavors prized by heirloom tomato enthusiasts.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom pH Sucker Transplant True Leaves

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