Tomato | Beefsteak Tomato
Grow one of the classic favourites of the summer garden. Beefsteak tomatoes are known for their large, meaty fruits and classic tomato flavour, making them an excellent choice for slicing, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and fresh-from-the-garden eating.
These vigorous tomato plants produce impressive red fruits throughout the growing season and are a rewarding choice for home vegetable gardens. Start seeds indoors before the last spring frost to give plants the head start they need for Canada's shorter growing season.
Why Grow Beefsteak Tomatoes?
- Large, meaty slicing tomatoes
- Classic tomato flavour
- Excellent for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and fresh eating
- Open-pollinated variety
- Approximately 75–85 days to maturity
- Grows best in full sun
- Approximately 40–50 seeds per packet
How to Grow Beefsteak Tomatoes from Seed
Start Beefsteak tomato seeds indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Sow seeds about 6 mm (¼ inch) deep in a quality seed-starting mix and keep warm and consistently moist until germination.
Provide seedlings with plenty of bright light once they emerge. Before planting outdoors, gradually harden off the seedlings. Transplant into the garden after the danger of frost has passed and outdoor conditions have warmed.
Choose a location with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Beefsteak tomatoes produce vigorous plants and large fruit, so provide sturdy stakes, cages, or another support system as the plants grow.
Water consistently, particularly during flowering and fruit development, while avoiding prolonged waterlogged conditions.
Growing Beefsteak Tomatoes in Canada
Beefsteak tomatoes love warm weather, so Canadian gardeners will generally get the best results by starting seeds indoors rather than direct sowing.
Avoid transplanting too early. Tomatoes are frost-sensitive and perform best once both the soil and nighttime temperatures have warmed.
For detailed instructions covering seed starting, transplanting, spacing, watering, fertilizing, pruning, common problems, harvesting, and seed saving, read our Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes in Canada.
Beefsteak Tomato Growing Information
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Common Name | Beefsteak Tomato |
| Plant Type | Annual vegetable |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Days to Maturity | Approximately 75–85 days |
| Seed Count | Approximately 40–50 seeds |
| Pollination Type | Open-pollinated |
| Best Uses | Slicing, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and fresh eating |
Grow Your Own Beefsteak Tomatoes
There's something especially satisfying about harvesting a large, ripe tomato straight from your own garden. With their substantial fruits and versatility in the kitchen, Beefsteak tomatoes are a classic addition to the home vegetable garden.
Start your Beefsteak tomatoes from seed this season and enjoy the experience of growing them from tiny seedlings to a summer harvest.