Zone 10 · Tomatoes Growing Guide

When to Plant Beefsteak Tomato
in Zone 10

Large-fruited tomatoes perfect for slicing. Need a long, warm season and sturdy support. Worth the effort for the flavour.

Plant outdoors
Jan 15 – Feb 15
Start indoors
Nov 1 – Dec 1
Last Frost
~Jan 15
Days to harvest
80–100 days
Difficulty
Medium
Ready to harvest — Zone 10
Harvest window: Mar – Jun

Planting Calendar

In Zone 10, Beefsteak Tomato should be planted outdoors Jan 15 – Feb 15, after the average last frost date of approximately Jan 15. Start seeds indoors around Nov 1 – Dec 1 for a head start.

Cool-season crop. Avoid planting for summer — focus on Oct–May window for best results.

Care Guide

Sunlight
Full sun · 8–10 hrs/day
Watering
Regular
Spacing
36–48 inches
Soil
Rich, well-draining loam
Days to maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
plant tip · Zone 10

Cool-season crop. Avoid planting for summer — focus on Oct–May window for best results.

Feeding Schedule

How often
every 2 weeks
Feed type
tomato feed (high potassium)
Key timing
start when first flowers appear

Heavy feeder. Start with balanced feed at transplant, switch to high-potassium once flowering begins.

Companion Planting for Beefsteak Tomato

What you plant next to beefsteak tomato makes a real difference — some plants actively help, others compete or attract pests.

Grows well with
  • Basil
  • Carrots
  • Marigolds
  • Borage
Keep away from
  • Fennel
  • Brassicas
  • Potatoes

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Common questions

In Zone 10, start beefsteak tomato seeds indoors around Nov 1 – Dec 1, then transplant outdoors Jan 15 – Feb 15 after your last frost around Jan 15. Cool-season crop. Avoid planting for summer — focus on Oct–May window for best results.
Zone 10 has an average last spring frost of approximately Jan 15 and a first fall frost around Dec 31. These dates vary by specific location — use your ZIP code in the plant app for precision based on the nearest NOAA weather station.
Good companion crops for beefsteak tomato include Basil, Carrots, Marigolds, Borage. Avoid planting near Fennel, Brassicas, Potatoes, which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.
Beefsteak Tomato typically takes 80–100 days from transplant or direct sow to harvest in Zone 10. Expected harvest window: Mar – Jun.

Recipes using this crop

Great ways to use your harvest — see all recipes

Free app · iOS February 2028

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