Beefsteak Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
150–200cm height; 45–60cm spread.
Overview
A vigorous cordon tomato that produces large, meaty fruits with rich flavour throughout summer. Plants grow tall and need strong support. Remove side shoots regularly to keep plants productive. Pick fruits when fully coloured for the best taste. Beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for slicing into burgers and sandwiches, layering in salads, or cooking into hearty sauces.
- Vegetable Type: Beefsteak Tomato
- Key Characteristic: Large, meaty fruits ideal for slicing and cooking into rich sauces.
- Hardiness: (tender annual) – protect young plants from frost.
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in rich, well-drained compost. Best grown in large pots or grow bags in a greenhouse or sunny patio spot. Can be planted in the ground in a very warm, sheltered position.
- Outdoor cultivation
Suitable for outdoor growing in a sunny, sheltered spot after risk of frost has passed. Provide support and consistent watering.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.
- Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
- Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove side shoots regularly and tie stems to supports to maintain airflow and fruit production.
- Harvesting: Harvest when fruits are fully coloured and just slightly soft to the touch. Pick regularly to encourage further trusses to ripen.
- Pest and diseases: Watch for blight in damp weather and remove affected foliage promptly.
Verve recommends...
- Remove lower leaves once fruits set to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.