Beefsteak tomato - Seeds - Large, heirloom beefsteak tomato from the USA

The 'Beefsteak' tomato is the giant classic among beefsteak tomatoes and a real highlight for growing historical, open-pollinated varieties. It produces impressively large, slightly ribbed, and oblate fruits that feature a bright, rich red color and often reach weights between 300 and 500 grams, or even more in exceptional cases. Its interior is highly chambered, almost seedless, and extremely meaty. In terms of taste, it impresses with a full-bodied, traditional tomato aroma that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and a slightly tangy acidity.

Scope of delivery: 10 seeds each

Sowing at a glance

Pre-cultivation (indoors)	Mid-February to end of March
Planting out (outdoors)	From mid-May (after the Ice Saints)
Sowing depth	0.5 cm
Germination temperature	20 to 25 degrees Celsius
Germination period	4 to 10 days

'Beefsteak' grows as a vigorous, indeterminate vine tomato and reaches heights of 1.50 to over 2.00 meters. Due to the enormously heavy fruit clusters, it absolutely requires extremely stable support from the start (thick plant stakes, spirals, or a solid trellis). A fully sunny, warm, and rain-protected location (greenhouse or tomato cover) is ideal. As a massive heavy feeder, it requires deep, very humus-rich soil. A generous application of compost at planting and consistent, potassium-rich fertilization are essential for the development of the giant fruits. Regular suckering to one or a maximum of two main stems is an absolute must with this variety so that the plant can put all its energy into developing fewer, but gigantic, fruits.

The fruits are ready to harvest when they are completely deep red and yield to light pressure. Because of their enormous sliceability and low water content, the 'Beefsteak' is the ultimate tomato for sandwiches and burgers – often a single thick slice is enough to cover the entire bun without it getting soggy. Likewise, its high flesh content makes it excellent for boiling down into very thick, aromatic sauces, for hearty casseroles, or for classic Caprese salads.

This variety belongs to the oldest and most famous American heirloom tomatoes. It became popular in the USA as early as the late 19th century and formed the genetic foundation for countless other beefsteak tomato breeds. To this day, it is valued by gardeners and produce vendors worldwide for its unsurpassed meatiness and authentic, intense flavor.