The beefsteak tomato is the tomato lover's dream — large, juicy and full of flavour. The fruits can grow impressively large, sometimes up to 500 grams each, and are ideal for thick slices on a burger or a summer salad. They require a little more care than cherry tomatoes, but reward generously.
Popular Beefsteak Varieties
- Brandywine – Heirloom variety with pink, ribbed fruit and an exceptionally rich, complex flavour. Often listed among the world's tastiest tomatoes.
- Big Beef – Hybrid variety with large, red fruit and good disease resistance. Consistent and reliable harvest.
- Marmande – Classic French heirloom with ribbed, irregular shape. Fantastic flavour and good productivity.
- Coeur de Bœuf – "Ox heart", heart-shaped with lots of flesh and few seeds. Popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
Care
Light
Like all tomatoes, the beefsteak needs maximum sun — at least 8 hours of direct light per day. Best grown on a sunny terrace or in a greenhouse.
Watering
The large fruits demand consistent watering. Water deeply and regularly, ideally at the same time each day. Dry spells followed by heavy watering cause fruits to crack. Consider mulching around the plant to retain moisture.
Feeding
Start with nitrogen-focused fertiliser during the growing phase, then switch to high-potassium tomato fertiliser once flowering begins. Feed every two weeks throughout the season.
Staking
Beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate and can reach 1.5–2 metres tall. They must be supported firmly — a stake or a sturdy cage. Consistently pinch out side shoots to focus the plant's energy on building large fruit.
Soil & Pot
Prefers deep, humus-rich garden or potting soil. If growing in a container, choose at least 20–25 litres to accommodate the vigorous root system.
Common Problems
Cracked tomatoes are caused by uneven watering. Mulch and water daily.
Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a serious fungal disease that can destroy the entire crop. Avoid wetting leaves and spray preventatively with an approved fungicide.
Flower drop without fruit set can be caused by temperatures that are too high or too low. Tomatoes fruit best at 18–27 °C.
Harvest
Wait until the fruit is fully coloured and yields slightly when pressed. Beefsteak tomatoes take longer to ripen than cherry tomatoes — expect 70–90 days from transplanting to harvest.
