Tomate bifteck

Solanum lycopersicum

Plant Description

A plump, sun-kissed fruit renowned for its heft and juicy texture. Beefsteak tomatoes grow on large, vigorous vines that produce wide, meaty fruits perfect for slicing. Their full flavor and impressive size make them a summer garden favorite for sandwiches and salads alike.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Days to Sprout: 6–14 days
  • Days to Harvest: 75–90 days
  • Plant Spacing: 24–36 inches
  • Seeds per Hole: 1–2
  • Plant Type: Tender Perennial (grown as annual)
  • Planting Depth: ¼ inch

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds: Ideal for full sun areas with well-amended soil and ample space for staking or caging.
  • Raised Beds: Improve drainage and heat retention—perfect for early season growth.
  • Containers: Use a large pot (minimum 5 gallons) with a sturdy support structure.

Getting Started

  1. Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost date. Transplant once danger of frost has passed and seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves.
  2. Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining soil with compost or aged manure. pH 6.2–6.8 is ideal.
  3. Transplanting Tip: Bury stems deeper when transplanting to encourage strong root growth.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Basil, onions, carrots, marigolds, garlic.

Avoid Planting Near: Corn (shares pests), brassicas (compete for nutrients), and fennel (inhibits growth).

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Pollinators when flowering.

Repels: Marigolds and basil help deter tomato hornworms and aphids.

When to Plant

  • Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before final frost date.
  • Outdoors: Transplant after frost danger, when soil is consistently 60°F or warmer.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Deep water at base 1–2x/week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
  • Pruning: Remove suckers to direct energy to fewer, larger fruits. Stake or cage as needed.
  • Fertilizing: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once flowers appear, then every 3–4 weeks.

Harvest

  • Pick when fruits are fully red and slightly soft to the touch.
  • Twist gently from stem or use pruning shears for cleaner harvests.
  • Harvest regularly to encourage ongoing fruit set.

Uses

  • Fresh: Ideal for slicing on sandwiches and burgers.
  • Cooked: Delicious in sauces, roasts, and savory tarts.
  • Preserved: Freeze or can for winter sauces and soups.

How to Store

  • Short Term: Store at room temperature out of direct sun. Do not refrigerate unless overripe.
  • Long Term: Can be frozen (whole or chopped) or canned as sauce or paste.