Beefsteak Tomato 'Yellowstone'

100 Seeds

'Yellowstone' is a large beefsteak heirloom tomato that produces golden-yellow, meaty fruits with a mild, sweet flavor and low acidity. Its large fruits are ideal for fresh slicing, sandwiches, salads, grilling, and gourmet dishes. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cooler growing 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 encourage faster 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 reduce 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 fruits require strong support.

Harvest

• Harvest 80–90 days after transplanting.
• Pick fruits when they develop a rich golden-yellow color and feel slightly firm.
• Harvest regularly to encourage continued 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 moisture and keep roots cool.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, tomato fruitworm, early blight, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and blossom-end rot.
• 'Yellowstone' performs exceptionally well in raised beds, greenhouses, large containers, and home vegetable gardens throughout the Gulf.