Variety characteristics:

• 212 Dean's Brad Gates is a highly productive midseason dwarf tomato developed by Dean Slater and named in honor of renowned tomato breeder Brad Gates. The vigorous, compact plants feature striking variegated potato-leaf foliage, with creamy white and pale green markings that may become less pronounced as the plants mature. Bright red to orange-red fruits are decorated with golden-yellow to orange stripes and typically weigh approximately 2.5–4.2 oz. Fruit shape may range from round and slightly flattened to small plum-shaped or mini-beefsteak forms. The juicy, substantial flesh delivers rich tomato flavor, balanced sweetness, and a pleasantly mild acidic finish. Plants generally reach about 3–4 feet in containers or outdoor gardens and may grow to approximately 5.2 feet under greenhouse conditions. Retain two or three productive stems and provide sturdy staking or caging to support the exceptionally heavy fruit set. Excellent for fresh eating, salads, slicing, colorful platters, and whole-fruit preserving.