Valiant

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Valiant beefsteak tomatoes bring a deep, savory sweetness with a classic tomato tang—bursting with juicy, meaty flesh that feels substantial in the hand.

Expect a bold, irregularly rounded silhouette and a tender-yet-firm texture that shines in fresh slices and hearty, slow-simmered sauces. Valiant’s dependable, full-size harvest makes it a standout for gardeners who want big flavor and generous yield from one impressive plant.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Valiant beefsteaks lean meat-forward—ideal when you want tomato flavor to behave like protein: substantial slices, not watery garnish. Their sweet-tang balance stands up to heat and reduction, giving you sauce body without turning into seed-and-water.

Best Uses

thick slicing on crusty bread where the flesh holds and won’t collapse
slow-simmered ragù-style sauce that stays chunky and meaty
high-heat blistering/roasting for concentrated, jammy edges
fresh tomato dressing or salsa where you want chew, not watery pulp

Flavor Profile

deep savory sweetness classic tomato tang with a juicy snap meaty, tender-yet-firm bite sun-warmed, richly aromatic finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil mozzarella balsamic vinegar black pepper olive brine

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) like ‘Valiant,’ and how can I manage it?

Early blight and Septoria leaf spot are frequent on tomatoes, showing as dark spots on older leaves that spread upward. Remove and discard infected leaves early, water at the base (not on foliage), and keep plants spaced for airflow. If the problem persists, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and start applications at the first leaf-spot signs, following the label schedule.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then allow the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Consistent moisture reduces blossom-end rot and fruit cracking—avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to very wet.

How do I tell when ‘Valiant’ Solanum lycopersicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have reached full color for the variety (deep red for typical red tomatoes) and feel firm but not hard when gently squeezed. The fruit should detach easily with a slight twist, and size should match typical mature tomatoes for the plant. For best flavor, pick in the morning and avoid leaving fully colored fruit on the vine through repeated hot afternoons.