my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Beefsteak Tomato in Demotte, Indiana (46310)

Location

Demotte, Indiana

ZIP Code

46310

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Start Beefsteak Tomato seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Solanum lycopersicum
Days to Maturity 85 days
Mature Height 60-96"
Spread 36"
Type Indeterminate
Fruit Size Large (10-16 oz)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

36" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Beefsteak Tomato in Demotte?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 2026.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

0

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Common Beefsteak Tomato Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Mortgage Lifter

heirloom 85d

Legendary heirloom bred by "Radiator Charlie" — up to 2.5 lb fruits with mild, rich flavor.

Big Beef

hybrid 73d

Classic hybrid beefsteak with reliable yields and resistance to common tomato diseases.

Supersteak

hybrid 80d

Uniform 2-pound hybrid fruits with meaty flesh and excellent shelf life.

Dinner Plate

heirloom 85d

Enormous heirloom fruits often exceeding 2 lbs; classic old-fashioned tomato flavor.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
⚠️ Many varieties are F1 hybrid — look for OP/heirloom types

When to Harvest Seed

Let fruit ripen fully — slightly overripe is ideal. Use only heirloom beefsteak varieties for reliable seed.

Processing

Ferment seeds in their gel for 2–3 days, rinse, dry flat on a screen for 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Most commercial beefsteak tomatoes are F1 hybrids. Try open-pollinated varieties like Brandywine or Cherokee Purple.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 3 plants of Beefsteak Tomato. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beefsteak Tomato in Demotte, Indiana? +

In Demotte (Zone 5b), start Beefsteak Tomato seeds indoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Demotte, Indiana? +

The average last spring frost date for Demotte, Indiana (ZIP 46310) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Beefsteak Tomato take to grow? +

Beefsteak Tomato typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Demotte, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 9, 2026 plus 85 days.

Should I start Beefsteak Tomato indoors or direct sow in Indiana? +

Beefsteak Tomato should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Demotte, that means starting around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Other Plants for Demotte

Growing Beefsteak Tomato in Zone 5b

Beefsteak Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Demotte, Indiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Beefsteak Tomato seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.