Organic 'Mémé de Beauce' Tomato
Organic 'Mémé de Beauce' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a massive, wavy, and historically rich Quebec heir
The 'Mémé de Beauce' tomato is one of Quebec's most endearing heritage varieties, as much for its spectacular appearance as for its moving story. Deep pinkish-red, very large , with wavy shoulders and an irregularly round shape , it possesses the authentic charm characteristic of old Quebec varieties. The original seeds were discovered in an abandoned house , where no garden had grown for 60 years—a true horticultural resurrection, saved from oblivion to become a living treasure of our local vegetable heritage.
Indeterminate, vigorous, and productive, 'Mémé de Beauce' yields large, meaty tomatoes with a sweet, rich, and well-balanced flavor. Their generous texture makes them ideal for thick slices, summer salads, stews, and any recipe where you want to showcase an authentic heirloom tomato.
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, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : A heritage variety from Quebec, originating from seeds found in an abandoned house.
Fruit color : Deep pinkish-red
Fruit shape : Irregularly round, with wavy shoulders
Fruit size/weight : Very large (L)
Type of fruit : Irregular beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Meaty, juicy, sweet and rich
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix, maintaining a temperature of 23–29°C to ensure rapid germination (5–10 days). Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to develop strong, well-formed seedlings.
Transplant when frost is no longer a threat. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support the large, wavy-shouldered fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit displays its rich pinkish-red hue and characteristic shape. To advance the harvest, pick those that have already shown their first color , then allow them to ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store at 12–21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their fleshy texture.
Usage ideas
• Perfect in thick slices , ideal for gourmet sandwiches and burgers
• Excellent in plates of heirloom tomatoes , where its irregular charm shines
• Delicious in summer salads , thanks to its sweetness and natural juiciness
• Wonderful when cooked gently , in stews or homemade sauces
The 'Mémé de Beauce' tomato is a resurrected treasure: beautiful, generous, deeply rooted in Quebec's heritage, and incredibly flavorful. A rare and precious variety, perfect for gardeners who love cultivating stories as much as tomatoes.
