Organic seeds

'Beefsteak Dester' Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Product code : JAREC-0239

On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of imposing tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly valued for their taste quality. In the garden, its tall and productive stature requires staking and creates a strong presence in sunny rows, where each fruit seems to ripen like a promise of abundant meals. This variety is particularly prized by heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its sweet flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Sliced in a sandwich, served in a salad, or made into a homemade sauce, it reveals the full character of sun-ripened summer harvests.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
35 seeds
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Annual

Discover the plant

Common nameTomato 'Dester Beefsteak'; Dester Tomato
FamilyNightshades
GenusNightshade
Speciestomato
CultivarDester Beefsteak
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameTomato
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes

Dester Beefsteak Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of large tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly valued for their taste. In the garden, its tall and productive silhouette invites staking and creates a strong presence in sunny rows, where each fruit seems to ripen like a promise of abundant meals. This variety is particularly prized by heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its sweet flavor, melting texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Sliced in a sandwich, served in a salad, or processed into homemade sauce, it reveals all the character of sun-ripened summer harvests.

Recommended sowing period: March to April. The depth to respect is 6 mm (1/4 in). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, maintain the potting soil at 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F). Transplant young tomatoes when their true leaves have developed and the roots hold the root ball sufficiently. Provide them with strong light to limit stem elongation. A short, vigorous plant takes root more easily than an etiolated one. During acclimatization, gradually increase the time spent outdoors and bring plants indoors if nights become cold again.

The Dester tomato is chosen as much for its fruit type as for the available space in the garden. Observe the size and habit described for this variety before planning your supports and harvests. Install tomatoes in a location where clusters remain accessible from a path. Orient supports so as not to shade lower crops. Planting in rows is practical for guiding stems, while a few isolated plants allow harvesting closer to the patio. Maintain sufficient distance between the foliage of tomatoes and their neighbors so that care and air circulation remain easy.

Tomate Beefsteak Dester. Tomates roses aplaties et côtelées sur du bois. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

6 mm (1/4 in)

Germination temperature

22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)

Germination time

5 to 10 days

Sowing period

March to April

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

Recommended sowing period: March to April. The depth to respect is 6 mm (1/4 in). Emergence usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, maintain the soil at 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F). Transplant young tomatoes when their true leaves have developed and the roots hold the root ball sufficiently. Provide them with direct light to limit stem elongation. A short, vigorous plant takes root more easily than an etiolated one. During acclimatization, gradually increase the time spent outdoors and bring plants inside if nights become cold again. Soil temperature is as important as the calendar date when planting. Keep lower foliage away from the soil to reduce splashing when watering. Tie stems with a flexible tie that allows for thickening. Inspect clusters at the same time as ties: fruit weight increases rapidly as they grow. Mulch on already warmed soil helps maintain consistent moisture and keeps lower fruits cleaner. The growth habit primarily guides staking and pruning.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Regular during establishment, then adapted to growing conditions

Watering

Regular

Soil type

Rich, friable, and well-drained

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and takes into account nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suited to the crop, following the dosage instructions. Avoid using multiple products, especially in a container where roots occupy a limited volume. Water as needed after application and observe foliage development before re-fertilizing.

Moisture

Moist soil during germination, without standing water; adjust thereafter to the crop

Seasonal care

The choice of tomato cultivar depends on both the fruit type and the available garden space. Observe the size and growth habit described for each variety before planning your supports and harvests. Transplant young tomato plants when their true leaves have developed and their roots adequately hold the soil ball. Provide them with strong light to limit stem elongation. A short, vigorous plant will recover more easily than an etiolated one. During acclimatization, gradually increase the time spent outdoors and bring plants inside if nights become cold again. Soil temperature is as important as the calendar date when planting. Keep the lower foliage away from the ground to reduce splashing during watering. Tie the stems with a soft tie that allows room for them to thicken. Inspect the clusters at the same time as the ties: the weight of the fruits increases rapidly as they grow. Mulch on already warmed soil helps maintain consistent moisture and keeps the lowest fruits cleaner. The type of growth mainly guides staking and pruning. A determinate tomato retains its productive branches; severe pruning can remove part of the harvest. An indeterminate tomato requires more guidance as it grows. Observe fruits approaching their final color and pick them without crushing neighboring clusters. On a vigorous indeterminate plant, it develops a remarkable production of impressive tomatoes, with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly prized for their taste quality.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

Stable, perforated container, wide enough to allow the plant to spread out, and deep enough for the roots
**Exposure:** Sun. **Spacing:** 50-70 cm (20-28 in). A potted tomato plant needs sufficient potting mix so that its root ball doesn't constantly go from very dry to waterlogged. Place the support before the roots occupy the entire container. A stable pot with a heavy base better resists wind as the foliage thickens. As the fruits form, monitor moisture more often and water the entire root ball rather than just wetting the surface. On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of large tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly prized for their taste quality. In the garden, its tall and productive silhouette invites staking and creates a strong presence in sunny rows, where each fruit seems to ripen like a promise of abundant meals. This variety is particularly popular among heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its sweet flavor, melting texture, and versatility in cooking. Sliced in a sandwich, served in a salad, or made into homemade sauce, it reveals all the character of sun-ripened summer harvests.
Sachet de semences Tomate Beefsteak Dester. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.4 m)

Width / spread

20 to 28 in (50 to 70 cm)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Bloom period

June to September

Fruiting

On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of imposing tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly valued for their taste. This variety is particularly prized by heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its mild flavor, melting texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Sliced in a sandwich, served in a salad, or transformed into a homemade sauce, it reveals the full character of sun-ripened summer harvests.

Harvest

80 to 85 days after sowing
Tomate Beefsteak Dester. Tomates roses aplaties et côtelées sur du bois. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

In a diversified garden, you can reserve neighboring sections for these plants: basil, carrot, onion, parsley. The grouping here serves to organize space and harvests. Respect the height, light, and water needs of each plant, without crowding the foliage. Maintain a pathway for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to free up space. This organization facilitates maintenance without promising protection against pests. Install tomatoes in a location where the clusters remain accessible from a pathway.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Ripe fruit
Beefsteak Dester Tomato recipe idea: tomato salad for four servings. Cut 600g of ripe tomatoes into slices or wedges and arrange them in a dish. Add one small chopped green onion, 15ml of olive oil, and 10ml of cider vinegar. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with a few basil leaves. Let it rest for ten minutes before serving with bread. Cut large fruits on a cutting board with a rim to collect their juice and add it back to the dressing. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adjust the cutting to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove any damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, ensure enough space in the dish for even mixing or cooking. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a meal for two people, simply divide all quantities by two.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to successfully sow 'Beefsteak Dester' Tomatoes?
Recommended sowing period: March to April. The recommended planting depth is 6 mm (1/4 in). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, maintain soil temperature at 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F). Transplant young tomato plants when their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the soil ball sufficiently. Provide them with ample light to prevent leggy stems. A short, vigorous plant will establish itself more easily than an etiolated one. During acclimatization, gradually increase the time spent outdoors and bring plants inside if nights become cold again. Soil temperature is as important as the calendar date when planting.
Can 'Beefsteak Dester' tomatoes be grown in pots?
Choose this exposure: sun. Reserve this spacing around the plant: 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in). A potted tomato plant needs enough potting soil so that its root ball does not constantly go from very dry to soaking wet. Install the support before the roots fill the container. A stable and heavy pot resists wind better as the foliage grows. As the fruits form, check the moisture more often and water the entire root ball rather than just wetting its surface. On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of imposing tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly prized for their taste quality.
When to harvest 'Dester Beefsteak' tomatoes?
On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it produces a remarkable yield of imposing tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly valued for their taste quality. This variety is particularly prized by enthusiasts of heirloom tomatoes for its mild flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and culinary versatility. Sliced in a sandwich, served in a salad, or transformed into a homemade sauce, it reveals the full character of sun-ripened summer harvests. With its heirloom appearance, large fruits, and exceptional flavor, ‘Dester’s Beefsteak’ is a top choice for gourmet gardeners.
How to enjoy Tomate Dester in the garden?
The 'dester' tomato is chosen as much for its fruit type as for the available space in the garden. Observe the size and growth habit described for this variety before planning your supports and harvests. On a vigorous, indeterminate plant, it yields a remarkable production of large tomatoes with dense, juicy, and delicately sweet flesh, highly prized for their culinary quality. In the garden, its tall and productive silhouette calls for staking and creates a strong presence in sunny rows, where each fruit seems to ripen like a promise of abundant meals. This variety is particularly favored by heirloom tomato enthusiasts for its sweet flavor, melting texture, and versatility in cooking.
How to plant 'Beefsteak Dester' tomatoes?
Install tomatoes where the clusters are accessible from an aisle. Orient the supports so as not to shade lower-growing crops. Planting in rows is practical for guiding the stems, while a few isolated plants can bring the harvest closer to the patio. Maintain sufficient distance between the foliage of the tomatoes and that of their neighbors to facilitate care and air circulation. Keep the lower foliage off the ground to reduce splashing during watering. Tie the stems with a flexible tie that allows for thickening.