Solanum lycopersicum

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Kentucky Beefsteak is a prized heirloom variety with its roots in the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky, celebrated for producing some of the largest and most flavourful slicing tomatoes in the garden. With its luminous orange-yellow skin and broad, slightly ribbed shoulders, this variety stands tall among the classic beefsteaks, both in looks and performance. It has been handed down through generations of growers for its consistent yield, robust growth, and rich, mellow taste.

Each fruit can weigh between 400 and 900 grams, with some exceptional specimens tipping the scale at over a kilogram. The flesh is dense and creamy with minimal seeds and just enough juice to make it perfect for sandwiches, slicing, and fresh summer meals. Its flavour is sweet and mild, with a soft acidity that enhances its golden richness, making it a favourite among those who prefer a gentler tomato profile.

Begin by sowing seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Plant seeds 5 millimetres deep in a well-drained germination mix and keep the soil temperature between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. Germination typically takes between 7 and 14 days. Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light and transplant into larger containers if needed before moving them outside.

Transplant outdoors once night-time temperatures remain above 15 degrees Celsius. Choose a sunny, compost-rich site and space plants at least 60 centimetres apart. Kentucky Beefsteak grows as a tall, indeterminate vine that requires staking or caging to support its heavy fruit. Maturity is reached around 100 to 115 days after transplanting, with fruits ripening steadily until the first frost.

For South African gardeners, this variety performs best in warm, well-fed soils with consistent watering. Kentucky Beefsteak offers a generous harvest of show-stopping tomatoes that slice beautifully and taste just as good as they look.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds