‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, organic seeds

Solanum lycopersicum

Product code : GAIAS-0195

Watermelon Beefsteak is a century-old organic heirloom tomato from West Virginia, introduced by George Gleckler in 1958. The regular-leaf, indeterminate plant yields abundant large pink beefsteak tomatoes with a lightly scalloped shape and a weight of 1 to 2 lb. Gaia describes a rich, complex, old-time tomato flavour that is deliciously sweet and juicy. Maturity is listed at 85 to 90 days. The packet contains approximately 25 organic seeds certified by Ecocert Canada, lot GO24002, with reported germination above 85%. 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.
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‘Watermelon Beefsteak’ Tomato, organic seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) 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.

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.

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.

Practical guide

How to use it

Uses in the garden

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%.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

01 How many Watermelon Beefsteak tomato seeds are in the packet?
The Gaia packet contains approximately 25 organic Watermelon Beefsteak tomato seeds certified by Ecocert Canada. Lot GO24002 reports germination above 85%. Gaia identifies this garden crop as annual, heirloom, open-pollinated, and indeterminate. Because the quantity is approximate, a small variation may occur. Allow 24 to 36 inches and a large cage for every plant retained. Keep the packet with seedlings so the cultivar, organic status, and lot number remain correctly identified. 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.
02 How should Watermelon Beefsteak tomato seeds be started?
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in clean, moist seed-starting mix. Gaia lists germination in 5 to 10 days from 21 to 32°C, with an optimum of 23 to 29°C. Keep the mix moist without standing water and provide bright light immediately after emergence. Harden plants off by gradually reducing water and nitrogen without allowing wilt, then transplant after frost risk has passed with 24 to 36 inches of spacing and a large cage. 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.
03 How large do Watermelon Beefsteak tomatoes become?
Gaia lists large pink beefsteak tomatoes weighing 1 to 2 lb, or approximately 454 to 907 g, and classifies them as XL. Their shape is lightly scalloped. Install a large cage at transplanting and use soft ties to distribute the load. An exceptionally heavy fruit can be supported with a cloth sling attached to the support. Maintain even moisture to limit cracking and harvest with both hands after the tomato is fully pink and ripe. 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.
04 What height and support should be expected for Watermelon Beefsteak?
Install a large cage at transplanting and allow 24 to 36 inches between plants. Watermelon Beefsteak is indeterminate. The Gaia source presents two height ranges: 4 to 6 feet in the tables and 4 to 5 feet on the back label. A sturdy cage covers this variation and supports 1-to-2-lb XL fruit better than a short stake. Tie stems with soft material and support exceptionally heavy fruit individually when needed. 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.
05 When should Watermelon Beefsteak tomatoes be harvested?
Harvest after fruit is fully ripe and has expressed its 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 tomatoes and avoid tearing stems. Store whole tomatoes from 12 to 21°C at approximately 95% relative humidity as listed by Gaia and refrigerate cut portions promptly. 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.