Beefsteak Tomato — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Solanum lycopersicum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 78–95 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 76.2–121.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 152.4–243.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 76.2–121.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Start seeds 1/4 inch deep indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost at 70–85°F and transplant in full sun in deeply cultivated, very fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; beefsteak tomatoes produce the largest fruits of any tomato type, with individual fruits commonly weighing 1–2 pounds and sometimes exceeding 3 pounds in favored varieties. They are indeterminate and long-season (78–95 days to first harvest), requiring heavy-duty caging or staking and consistent, deep watering throughout the season. Prune to one or two main stems for the largest individual fruits; allowing multiple stems produces more but smaller fruits. The unrivaled flavor and meaty, low-seed flesh make beefsteaks the top choice for fresh slicing, caprese salads, and sandwiches. Popular heirloom varieties include 'Brandywine' (pink), 'Cherokee Purple', and 'German Johnson'.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · beefsteak-tomato
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0