Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Days to Maturity: 96 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Native: Andes
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Plant Dimensions: Vigorous vines can easily reach 6' in the home garden, but may get up to 20' where the growing season is long, such as in mild climates of the South.
Variety Information: 10 oz.–2 lb. round, somewhat flattened, lightly ribbed, bright red fruits. 'Beefsteak' was first offered by H.W. Buckbee Seed Co. in 1900.
Type: Indeterminate, Slicer (Learn more)
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36"
Harvesting: 'Beefsteak' tomatoes are at the peak of sun-ripened deliciousness when red, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
