Zone 9 · Tomatoes Growing Guide

When to Plant Beefsteak Tomato
in Zone 9

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

Plant outdoors
Feb 1 – Mar 1
Start indoors
Dec 1 – Jan 1
Last Frost
~Jan 31
Days to harvest
80–100 days
Difficulty
Medium
Ready to harvest — Zone 9
Harvest window: Apr – Jun

Planting Calendar

In Zone 9, Beefsteak Tomato should be planted outdoors Feb 1 – Mar 1, after the average last frost date of approximately Jan 31. Start seeds indoors around Dec 1 – Jan 1 for a head start.

Spring crop matures before summer heat. Afternoon shade in May–June extends season. Fall crop planted August.

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 9

Spring crop matures before summer heat. Afternoon shade in May–June extends season. Fall crop planted August.

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 9, start beefsteak tomato seeds indoors around Dec 1 – Jan 1, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Mar 1 after your last frost around Jan 31. Spring crop matures before summer heat. Afternoon shade in May–June extends season. Fall crop planted August.
Zone 9 has an average last spring frost of approximately Jan 31 and a first fall frost around Dec 15. 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 9. Expected harvest window: Apr – Jun.

Recipes using this crop

Great ways to use your harvest — see all recipes

Preserves & Condiments

Classic Marinara Sauce

55 min · easy

Preserves & Condiments

Slow Roasted Tomatoes

190 min · easy

Free app · iOS February 2028

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Beefsteak Tomato in other zones
Crop Guides