Name: Organic 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Solanaceae

Gaia

Solanum lycopersicum

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common name‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato

FamilySolanaceae

GenusSolanum

Specieslycopersicum

CultivarWatermelon Beefsteak

Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

Organic 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum). These watermelon seeds come with practical growing details for Canadian gardens and local seasonal planning. The packet comes with practical growing details for Canadian gardens and local seasonal planning. This century-old open-pollinated heirloom tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. The regular-leaf, indeterminate plant yields abundant large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit is lightly scalloped. Gaia describes a rich, complex, old-time tomato flavour that is deliciously sweet and juicy and especially suited to fresh eating. The organic seeds are certified by Ecocert Canada. The packet carries lot GO24002 for clear identification and traceability throughout the season. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Gaia lists germination in 5 to 10 days from 21 to 32°C, with an optimum of 23 to 29°C. Provide bright light immediately after emergence. During hardening off, reduce watering and nitrogen gradually without allowing plants to wilt. Transplant after frost risk has passed into warm, fertile, well-drained soil with 24 to 36 inches of spacing. Install a large cage or sturdy stake at planting to support the heavy fruit. Water deeply at soil level. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Starting tomato seeds with steady warmth supports even emergence; move each tomato seedling into bright light promptly. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Starting tomato seeds with steady warmth supports even emergence; move each tomato seedling into bright light promptly.

Gaia lists approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity and a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Height varies in the source: the tables list 4 to 6 feet, while the back label lists 4 to 5 feet. Harvest after pink fruit is fully ripe and has expressed its complete colour. Fruit that has begun turning pink can finish ripening off the vine above 21°C. The packet contains approximately 25 organic seeds, lot GO24002, with reported germination above 85%. Store whole fruit from 12 to 21°C as listed by Gaia and refrigerate cut portions promptly.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual garden crop; indeterminate growth

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in)

Spacing / density

61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) between plants

Germination temperature

21 to 32 °C (69.8 to 89.6 °F); stated optimum 23 to 29 °C (73.4 to 84.2 °F).

Germination time

5 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85%

Sowing period

Indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting; transplant after all risk of frost

Propagation

Indoor sowing followed by transplanting

Growing method

For 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Start Watermelon Beefsteak indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting. Sow approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in light, pre-moistened seed-starting mix. Gaia lists germination in 5 to 10 days from 21 to 32°C, with an optimum of 23 to 29°C. Provide bright light immediately after emergence. Harden plants off by gradually reducing water and nitrogen without allowing wilt. Transplant with 24 to 36 inches of spacing and a large cage. Water deeply at soil level to support the heavy fruit. Label the support Watermelon Beefsteak and lot GO24002. Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes. Regular-leaf plants yield abundant fruit intended especially for fresh eating. Gaia lists approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity and a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Height varies in the source: one table lists 4 to 6 feet and the back label lists 4 to 5 feet. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 5.5 to 7

Care level

Moderate

Soil type

This tomato prefers fertile, organic-matter-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 5.5 to 7. Incorporate mature compost before planting without using fresh manure. Avoid low areas where water remains around the roots and locations that recently grew tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, or tomatillos. Clean mulch applied after the soil warms helps stabilize moisture and limit soil splash onto foliage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again. Good air circulation supports steady growth.

Seasonal care

For ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. In spring, start Watermelon Beefsteak indoors, then harden plants off and transplant after frost risk has passed with a large cage. In summer, mulch after the soil warms, water deeply at soil level, and tie stems with soft material. Gaia lists 85 to 90 days to maturity. Support exceptionally heavy fruit individually when needed and harvest after it becomes fully pink. Before frost, bring indoors fruit that has begun turning pink. Remove diseased debris and rotate away from Solanaceae crops. Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes. Regular-leaf plants yield abundant fruit intended especially for fresh eating. Gaia lists approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity and a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Height varies in the source: one table lists 4 to 6 feet and the back label lists 4 to 5 feet. Lot GO24002 contains approximately 25 organic seeds with reported germination above 85%. The organic seeds are certified by Ecocert Canada. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 60 L for one plant with a large cage

Growing ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Grow one Watermelon Beefsteak plant in a container holding at least 60 L with several drainage holes and full sun. Use rich, well-drained potting mix and install a large cage at planting. The 1-to-2-lb fruit and indeterminate growth require a heavy, stable container. Check moisture daily in hot weather, water at soil level until excess drains, and do not leave the container standing in a full saucer. Support exceptionally heavy fruit and harvest it regularly. Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes. Regular-leaf plants yield abundant fruit intended especially for fresh eating. Gaia lists approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity and a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Height varies in the source: one table lists 4 to 6 feet and the back label lists 4 to 5 feet.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Gaia lists 1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) in the tables and 1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 ft) on the back label

Width / spread

Approximately 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) according to Gaia

Flower color

Yellow

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Indeterminate regular-leaf plant; a large cage or sturdy stake is required

Edible parts

Fully ripe fruit only

Bloom period

Successive small yellow flowers through the season; indeterminate growth extends flowering until cold weather Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh.

Fruiting

Abundant pink fruit weighing 1 to 2 lb; approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh.

Days to maturity

Approximately 85 to 90 days according to Gaia

Harvest

Harvest Watermelon Beefsteak tomatoes after they are fully ripe and have expressed their pink colour. Gaia lists 85 to 90 days to maturity. Fruit that has begun turning pink can finish ripening off the vine above 21°C. Use both hands to support 1-to-2-lb fruit and avoid tearing stems. Arrange tomatoes in one layer and inspect them often. Store whole fruit from 12 to 21°C at approximately 95% relative humidity as listed by Gaia and refrigerate cut portions promptly.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, and dill before maturity Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes.

Plants to avoid

Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beet, fennel, peas, and squash

Garden use

In the garden, place ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow Watermelon Beefsteak in full sun in a fertile, well-drained plot. Preserve 24 to 36 inches between plants and place them north of shorter crops. Install a large cage at transplanting, then water deeply at soil level and mulch after the soil warms. The 1-to-2-lb XL fruit may require individual support. Keep easy access around the plant for checking ties and harvesting without bruising tomatoes. Label the cage Watermelon Beefsteak and lot GO24002. Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes. Regular-leaf plants yield abundant fruit intended especially for fresh eating. Gaia lists approximately 85 to 90 days to maturity and a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Height varies in the source: one table lists 4 to 6 feet and the back label lists 4 to 5 feet. Lot GO24002 contains approximately 25 organic seeds with reported germination above 85%.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Watermelon Beefsteak tomato sandwiches — four servings. Rinse two large, fully ripe pink tomatoes under potable water and cut them into eight thick slices. Spread eight slices of toasted bread with 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plant-based spread. Add tomato, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a few basil leaves, then close the sandwiches. Serve immediately to preserve the bread’s texture. Refrigerate cut tomatoes and leftovers in a covered container and use them within four days. For shelf-stable canning, use a tested recipe from a recognized food-safety authority. Watermelon Beefsteak is an open-pollinated organic heirloom tomato with indeterminate growth. This century-old tomato originated in West Virginia and was introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. Gaia describes large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g. The XL fruit has a lightly scalloped shape and juicy flesh. Flavour is described as rich, complex, deliciously sweet, and characteristic of old-time tomatoes.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato seeds are in the packet?

For ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, the packet information states: Approximately 25 seeds · lot GO24002 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato seeds in Canada?

For 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato, the stated sowing period is Indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting; transplant after all risk of frost. The recommended method is Indoor sowing followed by transplanting, at a depth of Approximately 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato seeds take to germinate?

For 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato, the stated germination period is 5 to 10 days; the lot lists germination above 85%, with a germination temperature of 21 to 32°C; listed optimum of 23 to 29°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. The tomato seed germination time for 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato should be judged against the verified range above rather than a fixed national calendar. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato in the garden?

For ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) between plants. For container growing, the product record recommends: At least 60 L for one plant with a large cage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Watermelon Beefsteak' Tomato?

For ‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, the confirmed edible parts are: Fully ripe fruit only. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Some other parts of the plant may be toxic; use only the parts expressly identified as edible and keep the remainder away from children and animals. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.