Big Beef

Tomato

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Big Beef’s lush, meaty abundance—an extra-large beefsteak tomato with a rich, classic tomato fragrance and …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 25th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 8th
Harvest Begins	Oct 6th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

My Big Beef tomato has leaves turning yellow with small white patches—what pest/disease is it and what should I do?

White patches with yellowing leaves on tomatoes commonly point to early blight or powdery mildew, which start on lower foliage and spread upward. Remove and discard affected lower leaves, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and spray a labeled fungicide for tomatoes (often chlorothalonil or potassium bicarbonate-based products) and repeat as directed every 5–7 days during active spread.

How often should I water Big Beef tomatoes during the main growing phase (after transplanting)?

During active growth and fruit set, water deeply about 2–3 times per week, but only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry—Big Beef dislikes consistently soggy roots. Aim for steady moisture by using a drip line or soaker hose and provide roughly 1–2 gallons per plant per watering, increasing slightly during hot, windy weather.

When is Big Beef ready to harvest, and how can I tell without guessing?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (deep red for most Big Beef types), the shoulders are also red with no green rim, and the fruit gives slightly to gentle pressure. For best flavor, pick at peak ripeness and avoid leaving fruit on the vine after it becomes fully red, especially during humid weather that can trigger splitting or disease.

Sink your senses into Big Beef’s lush, meaty abundance—an extra-large beefsteak tomato with a rich, classic tomato fragrance and a beautifully balanced sweetness. The flesh is dense and juicy with a smooth, velvety bite, making it a showpiece for bold slices and hearty, garden-fresh presentations. Grow Big Beef for a dependable, midseason harvest that delivers impressive size and satisfying texture from one sturdy plant.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start Big Beef early and transplant only when night temps stay ~50°F+ and soil is reliably warm (60°F+), then stake/cage early to prevent bent stems.