Brad’s Atomic Grape #205

Brad’s Atomic Grape tomatoes (aka Atomic Grape) are a striking heirloom variety bred by Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Appearance & Characteristics

• Fruit: Elongated, grape to plum‑size (about 1–2″ long), ripening in clusters.
• Color: A mesmerizing rainbow—lavender-purple stripes when young, transitioning to olive-green, red‑brown, orange‑gold, and indigo streaks at full ripeness.
• Flesh: Green flesh blushed with red inside; skin is slightly thick but crack-resistant.

Flavor & Uses

• Taste: Sweet with a complex tang—some find early-picked fruit pleasantly tart.
• Versatility: Excellent eaten fresh, in salads, roasted, sauces, salsas, or even in Bloody Marys and tarts .
• Storage: Fruits hold well on the vine and off, with a shelf life around 7–10 days.

Growth Habit & Maturity

• Type: Indeterminate—vinorous vining habit, reaching 5–7 ft tall, with wispy foliage.
• Days to Maturity: ~75–80 days from transplant.
• Sun: Full sun, 6–8 hrs minimum.
• Spacing: ~24″ between plants for optimal airflow and productivity.

Planting & Care Guide

• Seed Starting: Sow indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost, ~1/8–1/4″ deep, keep soil at ~75–80 °F for best germination.
• Transplanting: Harden off seedlings, transplant after frost, and once night temps stay above 50 ° F.
• Support & Care: Stake or cage due to height and clusters; prune for better airflow, water consistently but avoid waterlogging, and feed every 2–3 weeks.

Strengths & Challenges

• ✅ Crack-resistant fruit, attractive multicolor skin—excellent for visual appeal and market sales.
• ✅ Flavor is complex and unique, praised by chefs and gardeners.
• ⚠️ Some gardeners find seedlings “wispy” and finicky; germination and growth can vary—grafting can boost vigor .

Good For…

• Home gardens wanting a unique visual and flavor experience.
• Market growers looking for eye-catching, shelf-stable tomatoes.
• Cooks & chefs seeking colorful tomatoes for fresh or cooked use.