Spanish RAF Tomato Description & Growing Instructions
Description
The RAF tomato (short for Resistente a Fusarium, meaning resistant to Fusarium wilt) is a premium Spanish heirloom-type tomato, highly prized for its intense flavor and unique appearance.
Color: Green to dark green with reddish blush when ripe
Shape: Irregular, ribbed, often flattened with deep grooves
Size: Medium to large (150300 g typical)
Texture: Firm, juicy flesh with balanced seed content
Flavor: Exceptionally rich sweet, salty, and slightly acidic (one of the most flavorful tomatoes)
Growth type: Indeterminate (continues producing over a long season)
Days to maturity: About 7590 days from transplant
Best uses: Fresh eating, salads, gourmet dishes rarely used for cooking because of its complex raw flavor.
Growing Instructions
1. Seed Starting
Start seeds indoors 68 weeks before last frost
Ideal temperature: 2025°C
Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy)
Provide strong light for sturdy seedlings
2. Transplanting
Transplant when night temperatures remain above 10°C
Requires full sun (68+ hours daily)
Space plants 5070 cm apart
Plant deeply to encourage strong root systems
3. Soil Requirements (Important for RAF)
Prefers:
Well-draining soil
Slightly sandy or mineral-rich conditions
Avoid overly fertile soil too much nitrogen reduces flavor
Slight stress (less water, poorer soil) actually improves taste
4. Support
Requires staking or trellising
Plants grow vigorously and produce heavy fruit
5. Pruning
Regularly remove suckers
Helps:
Improve airflow
Increase fruit quality
Reduce disease risk
6. Watering
Water moderately but do not overwater
Slight water stress enhances flavor
Keep watering consistent to prevent cracking
7. Feeding
Use light, balanced feeding
Avoid excessive nitrogen
Focus on potassium and minerals for better fruit quality
8. Harvesting
Harvest when:
Shoulders remain green
Bottom shows slight red/orange blush
Fruit should feel firm but slightly yielding
Flavor peaks before full red ripeness
Tips for Best Flavor (Key with RAF)
Grow in cooler seasons if possible (spring/autumn rather than peak summer heat)
Allow slight stress (less water, lean soil)
Avoid overfeeding
Large daynight temperature differences improve taste
Tips for Warm Climates (e.g., Western Cape)
Provide afternoon shade during very hot periods
Ensure excellent airflow to prevent fungal issues
Consider growing in early spring or late summer for best results
Mulch lightly but dont keep soil overly wet.
