Beefsteak tomatoes are prized for their enormous size and meaty texture However, getting good germination rates and seedling establishment takes proper planting techniques An important consideration is how many beefsteak tomato seeds to plant in each hole or cell.
While it may be tempting to sow many seeds close together for maximum yields, this can backfire. Overcrowding leads to spindly, weak plants prone to disease. Following reputable spacing guidelines will produce the healthiest seedlings.
Here are some tips on how many beefsteak tomato seeds to plant per hole:
Start Seeds Indoors
Begin beefsteak tomatoes from seed indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost date Using a quality seed starting mix in trays allows close monitoring and protection of young seedlings
Sow Seeds in Cells
Rather than direct sowing in the garden, start seeds in individual cells or containers. This prevents root disturbance when separating seedlings later.
Plant Only 1-2 Seeds Per Cell
Depending on germination rates, plant only 1-2 beefsteak tomato seeds in each cell. This prevents overcrowding and leaves room for seedlings to establish.
Thin Weaker Seedlings
If 2 seeds germinate in a cell, snip away the smaller, weaker seedling with scissors, leaving the healthiest one to grow. Thinning ensures no overcrowding.
Give Proper Space for Growth
Whether in cells or direct sown, space seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch apart. This gives seedling roots ample room to develop fully before hardening off and transplanting.
Transplant the Strongest Seedling
When transplanting outdoors, select the single healthiest seedling from each cell to place in the garden. Pinch away extra plants.
Allow 18-36 Inches Between Plants
In the garden, space transplants 18-36 inches apart depending on beefsteak variety. Wider spacing reduces competition and disease transmission.
Practice Crop Rotation
Rotating garden locations year to year prevents disease buildup. Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot.
Stake or Cage Plants
As beefsteak varieties grow tall, stake or cage them for support. This prevents toppling and fruit damage.
Follow Fertilizer Guidelines
Apply balanced organic fertilizer at recommended rates to nourish plants without overfeeding. Excess nitrogen causes leggy growth.
By starting with 1-2 seeds per cell indoors and transplanting only the strongest seedling into properly spaced garden holes, you’ll achieve the best results growing beefsteak tomatoes. Proper seeding density combined with staking, rotation, and fertilization ensures healthy, high-yielding plants.
Step 2: Buy your materials
Visit your local greenhouse or grocery store garden centre and pick up the following:
- One or two kinds of beefsteak tomato plant seedlings. If you can find them, try the Big Beef variety.
- Some compost and/or manure
- I use fertilizer with a high middle number (15-30-15) to help flowers grow. (Alternatively, you can buy actual tomato plant food. ).
- Crushed limestone or bone meal can help keep your soil from being acidic (low pH), which can lead to blossom-end rot. If you know the pH is low, you can mix some into the soil. You can also keep some on hand in case calcium problems show up later in the season. Note: Crushed eggshells can work well for this too.
Organic compost or aged animal manure might work best.
Step 1: Choose a variety
But what’s the best variety of beefsteak tomato? That’s a contentious topic. From what I gather, the most popular variety these days is Big Beef. I’ve grown them before and had some great success. They’re large (over a pound if you’re pruning and culling) and they’re fairly disease-resistant. I’ve also had some great Beefmaster and Better Boy harvests.
If you’re starting from seed, you’ll likely have lots of options to choose from. Personally, I usually buy already-germinated seedlings from one of my local greenhouses. I chose to start with seedlings again this year, and this time I chose two types based on what was available:
Ultra Boy and Big Boy
There will be three of each kind. By August or September, I’ll be giving them away to neighbors and friends, and I’ll be the coolest guy on the block.
Any kind of tomato you choose will be a huge step up if you’ve never grown your own beefsteaks and spent the winter eating store-bought tomatoes that were picked before they were ready. Most beefsteak tomato types, like the ones I listed above, should get big enough that one slice will cover your burger or make up most of your toasted tomato sandwich.
I expect each plant will produce 10 to 20 tomatoes. The number of seedlings you plant will depend on how often you want to eat tomatoes and how many people you’re cooking for. The six I’m planning to grow are too many for my family, but as I said before, I like to give them away.
Best Way to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors (or Outdoors)
FAQ
How many tomato seeds do you plant per hole?
How many beefsteak tomatoes do you get per plant?
How many seeds do I put in one hole?
How do you grow beefsteak tomato seeds?
Beefsteak tomato seeds thrive in warm soil, ideally between 60°F and 90°F. For ideal germination, sow the seeds 1/4″ to 1/2″ deep in a fertile, well-drained seed starting mix and ensure consistent moisture.
How do you save seeds from beefsteak tomatoes?
To save seeds from your beefsteak tomatoes for future planting, follow these steps: Choose a fully ripe, healthy tomato from a disease-free plant. Cut the tomato in half and gently squeeze the seeds and pulp into a container. Allow the seeds and pulp to ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, stirring daily.
How much space do beefsteak tomatoes need?
The space your beefsteak tomatoes require will depend on the variety. Generally determinate varieties will need 12-24 inches, while indeterminate varieties require 14-20 inches. Most tomato plants require some form of support, either with stakes or tomato cages. This is particularly vital for beefsteaks.
How big should a beefsteak tomato plant be?
Some beefsteak tomato varieties may grow taller than others, so be prepared to provide adequate support, such as stakes or cages, to prevent the plants from collapsing under their own weight. Plant Width: 2-3 feet wide. Proper spacing between plants will ensure that each one has enough room to grow and receive adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Are Beefsteak Tomatoes the biggest Tomatoes you can grow?
If you want the biggest, most delicious tomatoes, learn how to grow and care for beefsteak tomato varieties. Prized as one of the biggest and meatiest tomatoes you can grow, this category of tomatoes produces fruits that are regularly 6 inches in diameter and up to 2 pounds.
How deep should a beefsteak tomato plant be planted?
‘Beefsteak’ tomatoes can be planted deep to encourage extra root formation along the stem. If your seedlings are robust, you can remove the lower sets of leaves and bury the plant deeper in the soil. Spacing requirements for robust, indeterminate tomato plants vary from 24-36” between plants and rows.