Delicious Heirloom Tomato Seeds

For the gardener who loves a generous tomato slice, Delicious lives up to its name. This classic red beefsteak produces large, meaty fruit with rich, sweet tomato flavor and relatively small seed cavities. Slice one thickly for a summer sandwich, layer it with mozzarella and basil, or serve a platter straight from the garden.

Why Grow Delicious?

• Large red beefsteaks: Fruit often averages around 1 pound, with some reaching 2 pounds under favorable conditions. Size varies with growing conditions and fruit load.
• Meaty interiors: Solid flesh and relatively few seeds make satisfying sandwich slices and fresh tomato salads.
• Rich, sweet flavor: A classic fresh-eating tomato for gardeners who value taste as well as size.
• Memorable growing history: Introduced by Burpee in 1964, Delicious became famous for a historical 7 lb 12 oz tomato grown in 1986. That exceptional competition fruit is not a normal harvest expectation.
• Indeterminate vines: Supported plants continue growing and setting fruit while conditions remain favorable.
• Open-pollinated heirloom: A seed-saving choice for gardeners who want to grow a favorite again.

Planting and Growing

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your intended transplant date. Sow approximately ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix, provide warmth and strong light, and harden seedlings off gradually. Transplant after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed, into full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Allow approximately 24–36 inches between plants, adjusting for your support and pruning system. Install sturdy cages, stakes, or a trellis early; heavy fruit and vigorous vines need dependable support. Water consistently at soil level, mulch to conserve moisture, and retain healthy foliage to shade fruit. Although suppliers report crack tolerance, uneven watering and wet weather can still cause splitting.

For square foot gardening, use 1 plant per sq ft (trellis required) only with dedicated vertical training and regular pruning. Allow additional canopy space for caged or multi-stemmed plants. Train and tie vines carefully rather than allowing heavy clusters to hang unsupported.

Harvest Details

Maturity: Approximately 77–90 days from transplant, depending on growing conditions; Burpee and True Leaf Market list about 77 days.
Fruit: Large scarlet-red beefsteaks, often around 1 pound; some may reach 2 pounds.
Shape: Rounded to slightly flattened, with variable shoulder ribbing.
Growth habit: Indeterminate, regular leaf; sturdy support required.
Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum.
Life cycle: Frost-tender warm-season annual.
Seed type: Open-pollinated heirloom, non-GMO.
Packet options: Approximately 25 or 50 seeds.

Harvest when fruit develops its mature red coloring and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Support each tomato in your hand while picking to avoid tearing a heavily loaded branch. Enjoy fresh slices, sandwiches, salads, or roasted tomatoes.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for your garden.