Big Beef F1

[SueCT]

I see this tomato on many grow lists. I would like to try it, but am not sure when I find it. I can usually find plants locally that say "Big Beef", and I can find seeds online that say the same thing. I never seem to find any that specify that it is the F1 hybrid. Are all "Big Beef" plants the same or are there different ones?

[Fred Hempel]

Big Beef F1

[SueCT]

Thank you. I am still wondering if there are different ones. I am starting my seeds today and I might just pick a plant locally if any Big Beef is the same. If not, will order.

[gorbelly]

I would guess that any plants you see at any big box stores or mainstream garden centers would be the F1, as Big Beef is a really popular hybrid variety, and those types of stores generally are positive on hybrids because their customers are also positive on the advertised vigor and disease resistance of hybrids.

I think I've seen a "dehybridized" OP version on Gary Ibsen's store, but that's the only place I've seen it aside from seed swap lists and such.

[Fred Hempel]

I agree with Gorbelly. Assume that big box plants are F1.

[SueCT]

OK, so the assumption is that commercial sources would not be selling any F2 Hybrids or dehybridized versions that would not be true to the original. Good to know, thank you. I am already about 5 days late starting my seeds this year due to my work schedule, and I hoped to start a little earlier. But even if I can just get them into the garden a little earlier, and slightly smaller, I would consider it a win.

[SueCT]

I already have seeds for Beefsteak. Would you pick Big Beef or Beefsteak, assuming you could only pick one, for taste and productivity? I have never tried either one.

[Fred Hempel]

I would grow Big Beef.

Anyone selling "Beefsteak" is selling a brand, not a variety.

I wouldn't grow a tomato called "Heirloom" either.

[Gardeneer]

There is also Big Beef OP around. I bought some last year by mistake.
Look for "Hybrid" on the name tag.

Gardeneer

[Barb_FL]

Burpee has free shipping today. Code is FS77.

[Cole_Robbie]

Beefsteak, when used as a specific variety, is Crimson Cushion. It is one of my least favorite varieties. I have known a lot of people who have bought those ten cent seed packs of it. I have never seen any tomatoes from the plants.

Big Beef OP was a dud for me, too.

Big Beef F1 is my favorite hybrid variety. I have seen other market vendors label plants for sale as "Beef," which is confusing, I know.

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by Cole_Robbie

Beefsteak, when used as a specific variety, is Crimson Cushion. It is one of my least favorite varieties. I have known a lot of people who have bought those ten cent seed packs of it. I have never seen any tomatoes from the plants.

Big Beef OP was a dud for me, too.

Big Beef F1 is my favorite hybrid variety. I have seen other market vendors label plants for sale as "Beef," which is confusing, I know.

I had one of each, F1 and OP, last year.
OP turned out to be Det and real dud. I pulled it out.
This year I am growing from seed.
To make the things more interesting, I am also growing Better Boy and Big Boy.

Gardeneer

[jmsieglaff]

Sue, I have fresh Big Beef F1 seed, PM me and we can work out a trade.

[Ed of Somis]

I can't say enough about Big Beef F1 (see other BB thread). If you plant it they will come....

[Gardeneer]

Another plus about Big Beef is that it is earlier than mid season. DTM OF 65 to 75 Or about 100 to 110 days from germination.

Gardeneer