Name: Organic 'Beefsteak' tomato
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Close-up of harvested red Beefsteak tomatoes packed together against a dark background. The broad, flattened fruit has prominent rounded ribs running from recessed stem ends toward the sides. Small green-brown calyxes remain on several tomatoes. Bright highlights reflect from the smooth red skins; no cut flesh or growing foliage is visible.

Large-fruited indeterminate heirloom tomato Solanaceae

Organic fruiting vegetable seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Solanum lycopersicum

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameBeefsteak tomato

FamilySolanaceae

GenusSolanum

Specieslycopersicum

CultivarBeefsteak

TypeLarge-fruited indeterminate heirloom tomato

Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 30 seeds

Organic 'Beefsteak' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an heirloom open-pollinated indeterminate variety known for very large red meaty juicy lightly ribbed fruit. Each selection contains approximately 30 organic heirloom open-pollinated seeds. Plants reach 1.8–2.1 m, spread about 60 cm, and begin maturing near 68 days after transplanting. Thick slices and rich sweet lightly acidic flavour suit sandwiches burgers salads and summer platters. Its indeterminate habit needs strong support and open access for repeated harvest. Heavy fruit benefits from individual support so stems remain intact as tomatoes gain size and colour.

Sow indoors March through April approximately 0.5 cm deep six to eight weeks before transplanting. Maintain 21–27°C and even moisture; germination generally takes 7–14 days. Provide intense light immediately after emergence, pot seedlings up, and harden gradually. After last frost and once soil warms transplant in full sun into deep fertile organic-rich well-drained soil. Space generously and install a very strong stake or cage immediately. Mulch only after soil warms and keep the crown clear. Maintain generous spacing so air moves through the supported canopy after rain or morning dew.

Water deeply and regularly at soil level then mulch once soil is warm. Tie stems and support heavy clusters while monitoring foliar disease insects cracking and blossom-end rot. Harvest once fruit is uniformly red and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Pick before frost and discard deeply split mouldy slimy or abnormal-smelling fruit. Fruit weight, yield, and storage vary with weather, soil, harvest stage, and care. Clean tools between plants whenever symptoms appear. Harvest sound ripe tomatoes with both hands and bring developed fruit indoors before forecast frost. Keep picked fruit away from direct sunlight.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Warm-season annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.5 cm (1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Space plants approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart to accommodate indeterminate growth and air circulation.

Germination temperature

21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

March through April indoors Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Starting tomato seeds inside: 'Beefsteak' tomato. Sow indoors about 0.5 cm deep in clean seed-starting mix six to eight weeks before the local average last frost. Use clean, moist seed starting mix that drains freely, and never leave the tray saturated. Keep the mix at 21 to 27 °C and evenly moist, never waterlogged; emergence usually takes 7 to 14 days. Move seedlings under strong light immediately and pot them up once true leaves develop. Handle each plant by its leaves or root ball and retain the cultivar label. Harden seedlings gradually to outdoor sun, wind, and cooler air. Transplant only after frost risk has passed and the soil is warm, using full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained ground. Beefsteak is vigorous and indeterminate, reaching about 1.8 to 2.1 m, so install a heavy cage or stout stake at planting. Give plants generous spacing for airflow and room to support the large fruit. Water deeply at soil level and maintain even moisture; abrupt dry-to-wet swings can contribute to cracking. Feed moderately after establishment, since excess nitrogen can favour foliage over flowering. Begin checking fruit around 68 days after transplanting. Harvest the very large, lightly ribbed red tomatoes when they are fully coloured, firm, and slightly yielding. Support heavy clusters, tie stems with soft material, and remove only damaged leaves that impede airflow. Bring sound developed fruit indoors before the first autumn frost.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Moisture

Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.

Minimum temperature

10 °C (50 °F)

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Large fruit on 'Beefsteak' tomato benefits from an even water supply while it expands, since abrupt drought-to-soaking cycles can split developing tomatoes. 'Beefsteak' tomato's very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit is carried on indeterminate vigorous and climbing growth, so extend watering beyond the stem as the supported canopy enlarges. The harvest guide for 'Beefsteak' tomato is approximately 68 days after transplanting; maintain moisture while younger clusters continue filling. Water 'Beefsteak' tomato slowly at the base, soak its root zone, then wait until the upper soil begins to dry before irrigating again.

Soil type

'Beefsteak' tomato needs generous, stable soil volume for its large fruit and sustained root activity. Prepare 'Beefsteak' tomato's bed for indeterminate vigorous and climbing growth bearing very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit, not only for the small spring transplant. Allow approximately 68 days after transplanting for 'Beefsteak' tomato to develop, providing soil volume that stays aerated after repeated watering. Before setting 'Beefsteak' tomato, mix mature compost through the area while preserving a crumbly structure rather than a dense amended pocket. For 'Beefsteak' tomato, use the supplied pH range of approximately 6.0 to 6.8 as the soil-testing target.

Fertilization

'Beefsteak' benefits from balanced fertility before its first trusses. Base extra feeding on tested need, not a calendar. For 'Beefsteak' tomato, fruit development competes with foliage under excessive nitrogen. Split necessary feeding instead of using one strong dose. Once Beefsteak tomato flowers, favour steady growth over leafy surges. Allow time for each application to show results. For 'Beefsteak', its root zone needs consistent moisture while fruit enlarges. Correct drainage and moisture before increasing fertility. Fertilizer cannot correct water-related disorders on 'Beefsteak' tomato.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Beefsteak' tomato. Use 'Beefsteak' tomato’s stated sowing window as a frost-relative cue, not a universal date: indoor sowing six to eight weeks before last frost; transplant after frost. Sow 0.5 cm deep. Expect germination in 7 to 14 days at 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F); keep the medium evenly moist but aerated throughout that interval. Keep young seedlings close to strong light, rotate trays for balanced growth, and pot them on before roots become crowded. After several days of hardening, set 'Beefsteak' plants outdoors only when frost danger has passed and nights have become reliably mild. Install a sturdy support at planting and guide new growth before stems become heavy or tangled. Prepare a sunny, well-drained bed; mix mature compost through the root zone and keep the lower leaves clear of soil splash. Water slowly and deeply, allowing the surface to start drying before the next irrigation so very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit develops under steady conditions. 'Beefsteak' tomato container guidance: 50 to 75 L and 45 to 60 cm wide. Set the pot where runoff can escape and light is adequate. As yellow flowers open, preserve airflow around 'Beefsteak', check ties and supports, and watch the undersides of leaves for early pest or disease signs. Use the supplied harvest guidance—approximately 68 days after transplanting—as a starting point; judge each fruit by developed colour, full size, and a slight yield under gentle pressure. Harvest 'Beefsteak' regularly without pulling the vine, and bring sound, well-developed fruit indoors before the first hard frost.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

50 to 75 L; container 45 to 60 cm wide

Growing 'Beefsteak' tomato in containers. For 'Beefsteak', choose a container matching this guide: 50 to 75 L; container 45 to 60 cm wide. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Feed at a modest labelled rate after watering. Excess nitrogen can delay flowering and ripening while encouraging leafy growth. 'Beefsteak' tomato needs full sun; nearby walls or taller crops should not compromise it. Water slowly when the upper mix begins drying, continue until surplus drains, and empty the saucer. At final planting, follow this layout for the tomato plant: approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart. Mark positions before roots are placed. Set one established plant at an appropriate depth and keep the stem clear of the rim and mulch. Place the vine before late-season crowding develops, keeping its mature habit in mind: indeterminate, vigorous, and climbing. Check moisture daily during hot or windy periods, using pot weight and the root zone rather than a rigid schedule. As this tomato matures, use the expected harvest form—very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit—to guide support, inspection, and careful picking. Position supports so branches remain accessible without rubbing the pot rim, then inspect blossoms and fruit from more than one side. As nights cool, check ties and actual root-zone moisture before deciding whether temporary shelter is worthwhile. Harvest the tomato plant when colour and texture show the intended stage. Before frost, gather sound developed fruit; quarantine any plant moved under protection and inspect it for insects.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

1.8 to 2.1 m (6 to 7 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 60 cm (24 in)

Flower color

Yellow

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Compound, divided foliage with an aroma when bruised; grown as an annual in your region

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Indeterminate vigorous and climbing

Edible parts

Ripe fruit

Bloom period

'Beefsteak' carries small yellow self-fertile flowers in clusters along its flowering stems. Breezes or bumblebee vibration normally release their pollen. Let beneficial insects visit without spraying open blooms. For 'Beefsteak', after successful set, each retained blossom begins developing the very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit. Keep moisture even, avoid a nitrogen surge, and support the canopy before fruit adds weight. In the 'Beefsteak' tomato planting, heat, cold, or drought may cause temporary blossom drop; correct the environment before pruning or feeding heavily. Record the first bloom and first set dates for local planning. Observe 'Beefsteak' tomato through several flower clusters before judging set.

Fruiting

Pollinated flowers progressively form very large meaty lightly ribbed red fruit. First harvest begins near 68 days after transplanting, then continues until frost depending on conditions. Support heavy clusters and maintain even moisture to limit cracking. Exact fruit weight, yield, and number of tomatoes are not guaranteed. The useful maturity guide is approximately 68 days after transplanting, but colour and texture remain the final harvest checks.

Days to maturity

Approximately 68 days after transplanting

Harvest

Generally harvest near 68 days after transplanting once fruit is uniformly red and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Support fruit with one hand and cut the stem with a clean tool to avoid tearing clusters. Pick progressively because the indeterminate plant continues producing. Before frost bring developed fruit indoors to finish ripening. Do not eat leaves or stems. Discard deeply split mouldy slimy or abnormal-smelling fruit.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Place chives, parsley, or basil beside 'Beefsteak' only where their watering and light needs remain compatible. Keep the supported tomato canopy north of shorter companions so it does not remove their midday light. When arranging neighbours for 'Beefsteak', match irrigation to each root zone instead of watering the entire combination by habit. Remove any neighbour that begins competing for light, moisture, airflow, or harvest access. Rotate 'Beefsteak' tomato away from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes rather than treating companionship as disease control. When arranging neighbours for 'Beefsteak' tomato, preserve a clear route to the very large red round to flattened meaty lightly ribbed fruit, and remove neighbours that begin shading fruit or trapping damp air. Reassess the arrangement around 'Beefsteak' as both crops approach mature size.

Plants to avoid

Avoid waterlogged soil, overhead watering, crowding, and repeated rotations with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or potatoes.

Garden use

'Beefsteak' tomato in the vegetable garden. Build a strong support system before transplanting because the indeterminate vine can reach about 1.8–2.1 m and carry very large fruit. A tall trellis, heavy cage, or firmly anchored stake is more useful than a light decorative ring. Set out a hardened plant after frost in full sun, leaving room for tying, airflow, and two-handed harvest. Water deeply at the base and keep moisture reasonably even; sudden drought followed by soaking encourages cracking in large tomatoes. Mulch after the soil warms, keeping it clear of the stem. Feed according to soil need and avoid excess nitrogen that produces long vines with fewer flowers. Support heavy clusters individually if branches begin to bend. The published maturity estimate is approximately 68 days from transplanting, but harvest when fruit is fully red, sound, and gently yielding rather than following the calendar alone. Inspect regularly for hornworms, aphids, and leaf spots. Remove diseased lower leaves with clean tools, never work among wet plants when avoidable, and rotate tomatoes away from beds with recurring nightshade disease. Pick cracked fruit promptly before decay progresses. Record support failures and peak fruit size for next season.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Beefsteak' tomato in the kitchen. Beefsteak tomato sandwich — Toast four slices of sturdy bread until crisp at the edges. Rinse one large, sound ripe tomato, dry it, remove the stem, and cut four thick crosswise slices with a sharp knife. Rest the slices on a clean towel for two minutes so excess surface juice does not immediately soften the bread. Spread each toast with mayonnaise, mashed white beans, or soft cheese, then add lettuce and a tomato slice. Season with black pepper, a small pinch of salt, and torn basil. Close the sandwiches and serve at once while the bread remains crisp and the meaty tomato stays cool. For a packed lunch, carry the tomato separately in a covered chilled container and assemble immediately before eating. Wash the board and knife after use. Do not include tomato leaves or stems. Discard fruit that is mouldy, leaking, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling. Keep dairy-based spreads and cut tomatoes refrigerated, and return leftovers to the refrigerator within two hours.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Beefsteak tomato blossoms can benefit from bumblebee visits, although the flowers contain both reproductive parts and can self-pollinate. Large fruit does not mean that a separate pollination partner is required. Leave access around the support structure and avoid enclosing flowering plants in coverings that restrict both air movement and insect entry.

Frequently asked questions

When should Beefsteak be sown and transplanted in your region?

Start Beefsteak tomato indoors about six to eight weeks before your planned outdoor planting date. Sow 0.5 cm (¼ in) deep, maintain 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F), and expect seedlings in 7 to 14 days. Move them into strong light promptly and pot them on before roots become crowded. Harden plants gradually, then transplant only after the last frost, when the soil is warm and nights remain mild. Install a substantial cage or stake at planting because Beefsteak is an indeterminate climber reaching roughly 1.8 to 2.1 m. Leave room for its 60 cm spread and the large fruit. The listed maturity is about 68 days after transplanting, but local warmth and transplant condition can shift the first harvest.

Is Beefsteak tomato determinate or indeterminate?

Beefsteak is indeterminate. It continues extending, flowering, and setting fruit while warm conditions remain, rather than forming a short bush that finishes one concentrated crop. Plan for a vigorous vine approximately 1.8 to 2.1 m tall with a spread near 60 cm. Put a tall, strong cage or stake in place when transplanting, before the root system fills the soil. Use soft ties as stems lengthen and support branches carrying the very large, meaty fruit. In a container, provide 50–75 L and a width of roughly 45 to 60 cm, then make sure the pot cannot tip under the combined vine and crop weight. Regular picking maintains access, while spacing and selective tying improve airflow through the continuing growth.

When should Beefsteak tomatoes be harvested?

Begin checking fruit near 68 days after transplanting. A ready tomato shows uniform red colour and yields slightly under gentle pressure without becoming soft. Support the large fruit with one hand and cut its stem with a clean tool so the cluster is not torn. Inspect the plant regularly because new tomatoes continue ripening along indeterminate stems. Discard fruit that is mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling. As frost approaches, gather developed tomatoes and allow them to finish colouring indoors away from direct sunlight. Cool fully ripe fruit promptly when it will not be eaten immediately. Handle every harvested fruit carefully afterward.

Can Beefsteak be grown in a container?

Yes, with a very stable 50–75 L container that is deep, wide, and fitted with several drainage holes. Use an airy vegetable potting mix and install a very strong cage or stake at planting, capable of supporting a 1.8–2.1 m plant and heavy fruit. Place the pot in full sun, sheltered from severe wind where possible. Check moisture daily during heat, water deeply without leaving water in the saucer, and feed moderately according to the label. Support clusters, harvest regularly, and check container stability after strong wind. A smaller pot dries rapidly and may not anchor the plant safely. Keep every drainage opening unobstructed.

Can Beefsteak seed be saved?

Beefsteak is described as an heirloom tomato, so seed can be saved when the plant and pollination are managed carefully. Select fully ripe red fruit from healthy vines that match the very large, meaty, lightly ribbed form. Process seed with a recognized tomato-saving method, dry it completely, and label it with cultivar and year. Tomatoes often self-pollinate, but insects can still move pollen between compatible varieties flowering nearby. Isolate blossoms or maintain suitable separation if true-to-type seed matters. Avoid seed from diseased, mouldy, or off-type fruit. When isolation history is uncertain, treat the saved lot as experimental and grow enough plants to compare their indeterminate habit and fruit before relying on it for the main Beefsteak crop.