Organic fruiting vegetable seeds

Organic ‘Beefsteak’ tomato

Solanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’

Product code : BIOVO-0128

Organic heirloom open-pollinated indeterminate tomato producing very large red meaty juicy lightly ribbed fruit.
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
About 30 seeds
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Warm-season annual

Discover the plant

Common nameBeefsteak tomato
FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
SpeciesSolanum lycopersicum
CultivarBeefsteak
TypeLarge-fruited indeterminate heirloom tomato
Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes

Organic ‘Beefsteak’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’) is an heirloom open-pollinated indeterminate variety known for very large red meaty juicy lightly ribbed fruit. The Biologiquement Vôtre workbook lists approximately 30 organic seeds, plant height of 1.8–2.1 m, spread near 60 cm, and maturity around 68 days after transplanting. Thick slices and rich sweet lightly acidic flavour suit sandwiches burgers salads and summer platters.

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.

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. Exact weight yield particular resistance and maximum storage life are unconfirmed.

Organic ‘Beefsteak’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’)

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

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

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow Beefsteak indoors March through April six to eight weeks before last frost 0.5 cm deep. Maintain 21–27°C and even moisture until emergence in 7–14 days. Provide intense light, pot up after true leaves, and harden gradually. Transplant after frost into deep fertile drained soil in full sun. Space generously, immediately install a very strong cage, water at soil level, and mulch. Support heavy clusters and harvest progressively near 68 days once fruit is uniformly red.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Minimum temperature

10°C (50°F)

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water deeply at soil level when the top three to five centimetres begin to dry while maintaining moisture as evenly as possible. Alternating drought and heavy watering encourages cracking and may contribute to blossom-end rot while constantly waterlogged soil suffocates roots and increases disease. Water in the morning without unnecessarily wetting foliage then mulch once soil warms. During fruit set and sizing avoid prolonged water stress. In a large container check moisture daily during hot weather without leaving standing water in the saucer.

Soil type

Choose deep fertile loose well-drained organic-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH near 6.0–6.8. Incorporate mature compost before transplanting while avoiding fresh manure and excess nitrogen that produces leaves at the expense of fruit. Work soil when neither sticky nor dusty and do not compact the root zone. Even moisture and adequate calcium reserves support healthy fruiting without automatic calcium additions unless testing supports them. Rotate three or four years away from tomatoes peppers eggplants and potatoes.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before transplanting then base later feeding on a soil test or the label of a balanced fruiting-vegetable fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes very vigorous stems and leaves but delays flowering and ripening. After fruit set balanced nutrition including potassium and phosphorus may support fruiting without exceeding label rates. Never place concentrated fertilizer against roots and water after application. In containers split a dilute solution rather than using one strong dose. No calcium supplement replaces even watering or a test confirming deficiency.

Moisture

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

Seasonal care

In spring sow indoors six to eight weeks before last frost and provide intense light immediately after emergence. Pot up once true leaves develop then gradually harden. In summer tie stems and support heavy clusters with a strong cage or trellis. Water deeply at soil level, maintain clean mulch, and remove only diseased leaves or those touching soil. Monitor cracking blossom-end rot aphids and foliar diseases. Harvest red fruit as it ripens. In fall pick before frost, remove plants, and plan a three-to-four-year rotation.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

50 to 75 L; container 45 to 60 cm wide
Choose a very stable 50–75 L container at least 45–60 cm deep and wide with several drainage holes. Fill with airy vegetable potting mix enriched with compost. At planting install a very strong cage or stake capable of supporting a 1.8–2.1 m indeterminate plant and heavy large fruit. Place in full sun, water slowly when the surface begins to dry, and never leave the pot in a water-filled saucer. Mulch lightly, feed moderately for fruiting vegetables, tie stems, and check moisture daily during hot weather.
Organic ‘Beefsteak’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’)

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

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 Quebec

Growth rate

Vigorous during the warm season

Growth habit

Indeterminate vigorous and climbing

Bloom period

Small yellow flowers in successive clusters through the warm season

Fruiting

Very large meaty red fruit produced progressively until frost

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.
Organic ‘Beefsteak’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Beefsteak’)

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Basil and early lettuce can occupy nearby space when light, water, air circulation, and root room remain sufficient.

Plants to avoid

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

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Ripe fruit
Beefsteak tomato sandwich — Rinse one sound fruit and cut into thick slices. Layer on toasted bread with lettuce basil and a light spread then season immediately before serving. To limit excess juice let slices briefly drain on a clean plate. Keep ingredients cold before preparation and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Do not eat leaves or stems and discard any mouldy slimy or abnormal-smelling fruit.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Beefsteak be sown and transplanted in Quebec?
Sow indoors March through April approximately six to eight weeks before planned transplanting. Place seed 0.5 cm deep, maintain 21–27°C, and keep mix moist; emergence generally takes 7–14 days. Provide intense light, pot seedlings up, and harden gradually. Transplant only after last frost once soil is warm and nights are sufficiently mild.
Is Beefsteak tomato determinate or indeterminate?
The workbook confirms indeterminate growth. The plant therefore continues growing and fruiting until cold nights rather than concentrating harvest in a short period. At transplanting install a tall cage trellis or very strong stake and tie stems with soft ties. Listed height is 1.8–2.1 m and large fruit requires particularly sturdy support.
When should Beefsteak tomatoes be harvested?
Generally harvest near 68 days after transplanting once fruit is uniformly red and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Support each large fruit with one hand and cut the stem with a clean tool. Pick progressively because the indeterminate plant continues producing. Before frost bring developed fruit indoors. Discard mouldy slimy or deeply split fruit.
Can Beefsteak be grown in a container?
Yes but use a very stable 50–75 L container 45–60 cm deep and wide with excellent drainage. Install very strong support at planting for a 1.8–2.1 m plant and heavy fruit. Place in full sun, check moisture daily during hot weather, water deeply without standing water, and feed lightly according to a fruiting-vegetable fertilizer label.
Can Beefsteak seed be saved?
Yes. The workbook identifies this variety as heirloom and open-pollinated. To reduce crossing isolate blossoms intended for seed or adequately separate cultivars. Choose a healthy typical fruit, let it fully ripen, collect seed and gel, then follow a recognized fermentation rinsing and complete drying method. Label with cultivar and year. Do not use diseased or atypical fruit as a seed source.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Yellow blossoms may be visited by bumblebees and other bees able to vibrate the anthers and release pollen. Wind also contributes substantially to pollination, although active insect visitors can support consistent fruit set in the vegetable garden throughout the flowering period.