Beefsteak Tomato 'Marmande'

80 Seeds

'Marmande' is a famous French heirloom beefsteak tomato that produces large, flattened, ribbed red fruits with a rich, sweet flavor and juicy flesh. It is excellent for fresh slicing, sandwiches, salads, grilling, and cooking. In the Gulf region, it grows best during the cooler season.

Best Planting Time

• August to November (recommended)
• January to February (spring crop in mild Gulf areas)
• Avoid transplanting during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 4–6 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Tomatoes grow best in fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.
• Transplant seedlings when they have 4–6 true leaves (approximately 4–6 weeks old).

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During late spring in the Gulf, provide light afternoon shade to reduce heat stress.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• Water deeply whenever the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Water at the base of the plant.
• Maintain even watering to help prevent fruit cracking and blossom-end rot.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 50–60 cm between plants.
• 80–100 cm between rows.

Support

• Install sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises before plants become large.
• Tie stems regularly, as the heavy beefsteak fruits require strong support.

Harvest

• Harvest 75–90 days after transplanting.
• Pick fruits when they are fully deep red and slightly firm.
• Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruit production.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• During flowering and fruiting, use fertilizer higher in potassium and calcium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of fruit.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and cool the roots.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, tomato fruitworm, early blight, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and blossom-end rot.
• 'Marmande' performs exceptionally well in raised beds, greenhouses, large containers, and home vegetable gardens throughout the Gulf.