Tomato Big Beef – Renee’s Garden

Solanum lycopersicum

Beefsteak Tomato

EXCLUSIVE – If you yearn for old-fashioned beefsteak tomato taste, size, and quality, this All-America winner is our hands-down favorite, combining delicious full flavor, heavy yields, wide adaptability and truly superior disease resistance (V-1, F-1, F-2, ASC, St.N, ToMV). The huge globe-shaped fruits size up about 10-12 oz each, without the cracked tops or fibrous interiors of older beefsteak varieties. Best of all, these scrumptious giant slicers are heavy with sweet flesh and lots of juice perfect for “BLT” sandwiches.

Seed Count: Approx. 18-22 / Weight: 0.07 g F-1 Hybrid/ Indeterminate

STARTING SEEDLINGS

In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55F (10-13C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80F (27C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.

When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70F (21C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55F (13C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

GROWING NOTES

Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; dont overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

HARVEST AND USE

For best flavor, pick these beauties fully red-ripe and dont store them in the refrigerator. These big, juicy beefsteak tomatoes are memorable in sandwiches or simply slice and enjoy with a pinch of salt and drizzle of good olive oil.