Beefsteak Indeterminate Tomato Seeds

Sowing: Begin by starting tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring. Plant the seeds in a flat, sowing them 6 mm deep and spacing them 2.5 cm apart. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius for germination and ensure adequate lighting, either from a sunny window or under a grow light. Keep the soil consistently moist while ensuring proper drainage. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to promote strong root development. One week before transplanting seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions during the day to acclimatize them to the weather. It's crucial to wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting tomatoes outdoors. Plant beefsteak heirloom tomato seeds in full sun and nutrient-rich soil, burying the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. If using a trellis, space the plants 60 cm apart, but if allowing the vines to spread, space them 90-120 cm apart. For companion planting, consider pairing tomatoes with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them near cabbage or potatoes.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties often benefit from trellises or supports to protect them from pests and diseases associated with excessive soil contact. Install supports before the seedlings develop vines, and tie the vines to the support as they grow. Protect plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius, as these can hinder production. Apply a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Water plants weekly, avoiding wetting the leaves. Pruning the "suckers," or shoots that grow between the main stem and branches, enhances plant strength and productivity.

Determine tomato ripeness by gently pressing them; ripe tomatoes should yield slightly to pressure and exhibit their mature color. If the stem does not detach easily, use scissors to cut it. While vine-ripened tomatoes offer the best flavor, all tomatoes should be harvested before the arrival of frost, even if green. Unripe tomatoes will ripen indoors if kept in a warm, sunlit area.

Cross-pollination between most tomato varieties is unlikely, so isolation is generally not necessary. Collect fully ripe tomatoes and cut them horizontally, squeezing out the pulp into a container. Alternatively, blend smaller tomatoes and strain the mixture to separate the seeds. Ferment the seeds for several days until a layer of mold forms to remove the gelatinous coating. Rinse the seeds in a strainer under running water until clean, then dry them in a protected area away from direct sunlight. Stir the seeds twice daily and use a fan to expedite drying if the air is humid. Once completely dry, store the beefsteak heirloom tomato seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.

Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor, Hydroponics
Blooming Season: Summer
Planting Season: Spring
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Solanum lycopersicum/ 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 15-20 cm
Shelf Life After Test Date: The shelf life of Beef Steak Indeterminate Tomato Seeds after the test date depends on storage conditions. When stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, the seeds can remain viable for several years. However, it's recommended to use the seeds within 1-2 years for optimal germination rates.
Seed Type: Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO
Soil Type: Loam Soil