Beefsteak Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum


The classic large slicing tomato — heavy, flattened, gently ribbed red fruit weighing up to 450g on tall, vigorous vines. Rich, full-flavoured flesh with plenty of juice, cut cleanly into thick slices for burgers, sandwiches, and platters. A steady, dependable performer that has held its place in home gardens for well over a century. Indeterminate (climbing) variety — requires sturdy staking or caging.

Days to harvest 75–85 days from transplant
Fruit size Large flattened, ribbed fruit up to around 450g
Sowing depth 5mm
Germination 10–14 days at soil temperature of at least 20°C
Spacing 50cm apart
Aspect Open, sunny position; deep, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
Frost tolerance Sensitive to frost; plant out only once frosts have finished

Growing notes

A warm, sheltered position in the garden or tunnel suits it best. Heavy-fruited varieties like this reward preparation and steady feeding through the season.

Soil preparation: Deeply worked beds with well-rotted compost and a balanced feed high in phosphorus. Large fruit calls for a strong root run — dig deep and enrich generously.

Support: Tall vines carry heavy trusses of large fruit — strong stakes, a solid cage, or a string trellis is essential from planting out. Tie regularly as the plant grows.

Containers: Suits a large pot of 40L or more with sturdy support; keep water and feed consistent, as pots dry out faster than beds and heavy-fruiting types are particularly demanding.

Watering & feeding: Deep, consistent watering at the base. Overhead watering invites disease. Feed steadily through the season with a potassium-rich liquid feed once flowering starts, and again as fruit begins to swell.

Harvest: Pick when fully coloured and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Large fruit can split after heavy rain following a dry stretch — pick vulnerable fruit early if a downpour is forecast.

Timing: First ripe fruit around 75–85 days from transplant.

Key features

  • Classic large slicing heirloom
  • Heavy fruit to around 450g
  • Flattened, gently ribbed shape
  • Rich, full-bodied tomato flavour
  • Tall, high-yielding vine
  • Time-tested performer across a wide range of climates

Short season tips


Sow 6–8 weeks before your last frost. Grow on under cover until night temperatures sit reliably above 12–14°C. In Coonabarabran and similar inland zones, plant out from mid-October. A hoop tunnel or cloche buys earlier plantings. This variety needs a warm run to size up its heaviest fruit, so protect early plantings from cold nights.

  • Spring
  • Summer

Tender perennial — almost always grown as an annual in Australia

  • Basil, chives, parsley, marigold, carrots
  • Other nightshades (potatoes, eggplant, capsicum), brassicas, fennel, corn


A long-established American heirloom slicing tomato, grown in home gardens since the late 1800s and one of the varieties that gave the whole class of large flattened tomatoes its name. Passed through generations of home gardeners and still valued for its size, flavour, and reliability.