Organic 'Delicious' Tomato
Organic 'Delicious' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a giant red steak, meaty, aromatic and worthy of its name
The 'Delicious' tomato is an iconic heirloom variety, famous for producing some of the largest fruits in the world of heritage tomatoes. Indeterminate, vigorous, and highly productive, it forms impressive red beefsteaks ranging from 500g to over 2kg (1 to 4lb) — magnificent monsters in the garden and on the table. Their flesh is firm, meaty, and juicy , with a small seed cavity , making them perfect for thick slices, tasting platters, and recipes where a rich texture is desired.
This variety is also prized for its resistance to cracking and its ability to develop a deep, wonderfully aromatic flavor even in cool nighttime conditions, where other tomatoes lose intensity. 'Delicious' lives up to its name: it's a robust, flavorful, impressive, and rewarding tomato to grow.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, very vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Giant fruits (up to 2 kg), rich flavor even when cold, resistance to cracking
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Massive beefsteak
Fruit size/weight : Very large to gigantic (1–4 lb)
Fruit type : Giant beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Meaty, dense, juicy, fragrant, few seeds
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for rapid germination (5 to 10 days). Reduce water and nitrogen during hardening off to develop strong seedlings.
Transplant once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24–36") apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (level 3) , and install very sturdy supports : the giant fruits require significant support.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the tomatoes turn a deep red and begin to yield slightly to pressure. To get a head start, pick the fruit as soon as it begins to color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store at 12–21°C and 95% relative humidity to maintain its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Exceptional in thick slices : sandwiches, giant burgers, plates of heirloom tomatoes
• Ideal for gourmet salads , thanks to its dense flesh
• Perfect for gentle cooking , which concentrates its aroma
• Impressive as a star tomato in a summer meal
The 'Delicious' tomato is a true giant of the vegetable garden: massive, flavorful, resistant, and emblematic of great heirloom varieties. A spectacular tomato for gardeners seeking an exceptional fruit in both size and taste.
