The Tomato Pole Beefsteak, 'Lycopersicon lycopersicum', is an old favorite. The huge tomatoes can reach up to 2 pounds. This old favorite is for those who love meaty, thick, tasty, large tomatoes for sandwiches. They are also useful for almost any dish that would benefit from rich tomato flavor. The vines are so vigorous that we recommend wire cages to hold up the plants and tomatoes.
Tomatoes are generally started inside. They may also be seeded outside after the last average frost date. In warm winter/hot summer areas, tomatoes can be planted in early fall for winter harvest. Pole Tomatoes prefer well drained soil that is high in organic matter. Tomatoes need at least 1 inch of water a week. Soak to depth of 6 to 10 inches when watering. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.