Approximately 25 seeds
Ripens in 80 days
Indeterminate plant, 5 feet and more
This variety produces beautiful large beefsteak tomatoes with a rich taste, ideal for sauces and canning. Each tomato can easily weigh one to two pounds. The plant is highly resistant to cracking.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected ground frost. Sow the seeds in a tray at 1/4" deep and about 1" apart. Keep the room temperature at around 20°C (70°F) until germination. Also, provide adequate light with a grow light or in front of a sunny window; keep the soil moist but ensure proper drainage. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots, burying the stems as low as possible to encourage optimal rooting. Remember to acclimate your plants a week before placing them in the garden to harden them. Be cautious; tomatoes cannot withstand cold and should not be placed in the garden until all threat of frost is gone. Plant them in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and once again, bury the plants as low as possible to promote rooting.
Tomatoes often perform better when they have a trellis or support, as this protects them from pests and diseases related to excessive ground contact. As the plants begin to grow, tie them to the support to aid in their development. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) can decrease production, so you may need to protect the plants if temperatures drop. Water the plants, but avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible to prevent them from yellowing. Once frost arrives, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will eventually ripen if kept in a warm place away from direct sunlight.