Tomato Sunfired Flare: A Visual Masterpiece with a Deep Flavour
Tomato Sunfired Flare is a variety that immediately catches the eye. As the fruits ripen in the sun, the tops turn a deep, glossy black, which contrasts beautifully with the bright orange and red stripes at the base. But this isn’t just a “novelty” tomato; it is a heavy-cropping beefsteak with a dense, meaty texture and a flavour that rivals the best heritage varieties. It is sweet, rich, and has just enough acidity to make it the perfect all-rounder for the kitchen.
How to Grow for a Heavy Harvest
To get the best results from your Tomato Sunfired Flare, sow your seeds indoors from February to April. They require a bit of warmth to get going, so a sunny windowsill or a propagator is ideal. Once the frosts are gone in May or June, move them to your greenhouse or a sheltered, sunny spot. Because the fruits are quite substantial, make sure you provide a sturdy stake or string for the plant to climb.
This is an indeterminate (cordon) variety, which means it grows tall and stays productive all season long. A key tip for success is to pinch out the side shoots (the growth that appears in the crook between the leaf and the stem) as they appear. This keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing those big, colourful tomatoes rather than a mess of extra foliage.
From the Vine to the Plate
You will be picking your Tomato Sunfired Flare crop from mid-summer right through to the first frost. They are at their best when the orange parts have a slight “give” to them when squeezed gently. Because the fruit is so meaty and has very few seeds, it holds its shape perfectly when sliced. It is fantastic for a fresh salad where you can show off the marbled colours, but it also cooks down into a thick, luxurious sauce that looks as good as it tastes.
Why Scottish-Grown Seeds are Better for You
Sourcing Tomato Sunfired Flare seeds that have been raised in Scotland offers a distinct advantage for UK gardeners. Most commercial seeds are produced in much warmer, stable climates; however, our seeds are harvested from plants that have already successfully completed their life cycle in our shorter, cooler growing season. This ensures you are starting with stock that possesses the “grit” and natural vigour required to produce a heavy crop, regardless of whether you are growing in the south or the far north.
The Grown Local Verdict “If you are looking for a show-stopping tomato that doesn’t sacrifice taste for looks, Tomato Sunfired Flare is the perfect choice. It combines a stunning, ‘sun-burnt’ aesthetic with a meaty, traditional beefsteak flavour. It is a reliable, high-yielding performer that brings a genuine gourmet feel to the home greenhouse.”
