Tomato – Beefsteak Red

The Beefsteak Tomato is an old-fashioned favorite known for its large, meaty fruits that weigh between 10 oz. and 2 lbs. These bright red, slightly ribbed tomatoes are flavorful and juicy, making them perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and salads. Its vigorous, indeterminate vines provide high yields of solid, delicious fruits.

Beefsteak Tomatoes mature in approximately 65-90 days, making them a mid-to-late season variety suitable for gardeners seeking a steady supply of large, flavorful fruits.

The Beefsteak Tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it grows continuously and produces fruit throughout the season. Its vigorous growth habit ensures high yields of large, juicy tomatoes.

To grow Beefsteak Tomatoes, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix at 70-90°F. Germination typically occurs in 6-14 days. Once true leaves develop, transplant seedlings into 3- to 4-inch pots and provide full light at cooler temperatures of 60-70°F. Harden off the plants and transplant them outdoors in full sun, spacing them 18-30 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.

To prevent blossom end rot, add one tablespoon of lime, ground oyster shells, or crushed eggshells to the planting hole for calcium. Enhance soil nutrients with one tablespoon each of aged compost and bone meal. Plant tall seedlings deeper to encourage root development along the stem, ensuring robust, productive plants capable of supporting the large, juicy fruits characteristic of Beefsteak Tomatoes. Proper staking will help manage the heavy fruit load.