Organic 'Solar Flare' Tomato
Organic 'Solar Flare' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a vibrant beefsteak with golden highlights and exceptional flavor
The 'Solar Flare' tomato, selected by Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms in California, is a spectacular heirloom variety that immediately catches the eye. Its large, beefsteak-sized fruits, weighing 170 to 280 g (6 to 10 oz), display a vibrant red streaked with golden metallic rays , reminiscent of a solar flare. Their flesh is juicy, dense, and sweet with a harmonious touch of acidity—a perfect balance for Caprese salads, gourmet sandwiches, fresh dishes, or recipes that showcase the tomato. In addition to its beauty and remarkable taste, it is known for its good resistance to scab , making it a reliable and productive variety.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/growth habit : Indeterminate, robust, productive stems
Plant height : 120 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Large, radiant fruit, remarkable juiciness, excellent scab resistance, selected by Brad Gates
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in fine potting soil and maintain a temperature between 23 and 29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days. During hardening-off, slightly reduce watering and nitrogen application to strengthen the seedlings.
Transplant outdoors once the nights are warmer and the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart, and rows 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) apart . Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . As with all indeterminate varieties, and given the weight of the fruit, sturdy staking is essential.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has fully developed its red and golden color. To bring forward the harvest, pick at the first color stage and then allow it to ripen at 22°C or higher outside the vine. For storage, keep the fruit between 12 and 21°C at a relative humidity of approximately 95% .
Usage ideas
• Sublime in caprese salads , where its vibrant colors shine
• Delicious in thick slices in burgers and sandwiches
• Perfect for platters of heirloom tomatoes, very visually appealing
• Excellent when cooked lightly: roasted, pan-fried or grilled
• Ideal for farmers' markets thanks to its spectacular appeal
The 'Solar Flare' tomato literally lights up the vegetable garden: a sumptuous, tasty and reliable variety, perfect for gardeners looking for a beefsteak that impresses as much with its appearance as with its flavor.
