How to Grow Flare Tomato
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Flare Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Flare'
vegetableFlare is a determinate cherry tomato variety known for its bright red, round fruits and concentrated sweet flavor. It was bred for disease resistance and reliable production, making it popular for both home gardeners and commercial growers. The compact plants produce abundant clusters of 1-2 inch fruits throughout the season.
When should you plant Flare Tomato in your zone?
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Example Flare Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Flare 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 Flare Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Flare Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, can be grown as annual in zones 3-4
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Get my Flare Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge and develop first true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily; maintain 70-75°F temperature
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple true leaves and sturdy stems; grows 6-12 inches tall indoors before transplanting
Harden off seedlings before transplanting; prune suckers if desired; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters after plant is established in garden; Flare sets fruit prolifically
Ensure consistent watering and adequate phosphorus; avoid over-nitrogen which reduces fruiting; provide support structure if needed
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green fruits develop and enlarge over time, gradually ripening to bright red; multiple clusters mature sequentially
Maintain steady watering and fertilize every 2-3 weeks; mulch around base to retain moisture; prune excessive foliage in heat to prevent fruit cracking
Harvest
Continuous throughout seasonFruits reach full red color and slight give when gently squeezed; peak sweetness and flavor
Pick regularly to encourage continued production; harvest in morning when cooler; leave stem attached when picking
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays
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Spray with neem oil; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Fresh eating and snacking
CulinaryFlare cherry tomatoes are perfectly sized for snacking straight from the vine and adding whole to salads. Their concentrated sweetness and low acidity make them ideal for enjoying fresh with minimal preparation. [source]
Cooking and sauces
CulinaryThe high sugar and low water content compared to slicing tomatoes makes Flare excellent for making concentrated pasta sauces, marinades, and roasted tomato preparations. Perfect for preserving as sauce or paste. [source]
Canning and preserving
CulinaryFlare's abundant, uniform harvest makes it ideal for canning whole, as paste, or sauce. The determinate growth ensures most fruit ripens simultaneously, allowing for efficient batch processing. [source]
Lycopene source
MedicinalTomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk and certain cancer prevention. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects essential for fruit set and garden pollination. Growing tomatoes supports pollinator populations. [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 when fruits are fully red and slightly soft to squeeze; cherry tomatoes continue ripening after picking if left at room temperature; Flare's determinate nature means most fruit ripens within a 3-4 week window for concentrated harvesting, ideal for preserving and sauces
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Flare was specifically bred for disease resistance and is known for its reliability even in challenging growing conditions, making it a favorite for both beginner and experienced gardeners
- 🌱 Cherry tomatoes like Flare have higher sugar content per ounce than larger slicing tomatoes, which is why they taste sweeter despite being smaller
- 🌱 Burying tomato transplants deeply (up to the first true leaves) stimulates additional root development along the buried stem, creating a stronger root system and more drought-resilient plants
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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