Name: 'Pineapple' Beefsteak Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum
Brand: Benjis Seeds
Price: 3.0 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock

'Pineapple' Beefsteak Tomato – large-fruited rarity with a sweet-fruity aroma.

This variety is a yellow-orange marbled beef tomato with an exceptionally sweet-fruity flavor and an intense melon and pineapple aroma. It ripens late and is ideally suited for cultivation in greenhouses, outdoor beds, and large containers. Robust, high-yielding, and perfect for self-sufficiency as well as organic growing.

Origin & History

'Pineapple' is an open-pollinated beef tomato that originally comes from the USA and was introduced to Europe by seed enthusiasts in the 1950s. It became particularly widespread in France and from there gained popularity in Germany and other countries. It belongs to the classic heirloom varieties preserved by seed savers and is especially valued by lovers of open-pollinated tomatoes.

Its name refers to the yellow-orange marbling and the fruity flavor reminiscent of pineapple and melon. With its unique flavor profile, impressive size, and historical significance, it is a true enrichment for any variety garden.

Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows indeterminately as a stake tomato and reaches a height of about 180–250 cm. It develops strong fruit clusters and bears robust, dark green foliage.

Fruit details:

Size: Very large, approx. 300–500 g per fruit (often over 500 g, some up to 1 kg)
Shape: Flattened-round, slightly ribbed
Color: Yellow-orange marbled, multicolored inside with red streaks
Texture: Juicy, tender flesh with few seeds
Flavor: Sweet-fruity with very low acidity, reminiscent of melon and pineapple – refreshing and aromatic

Usage & Cultivation Highlights

'Pineapple' fruits are excellent for fresh salads, decorative tomato slices, and flavorful snacks. With their yellow-orange marbling and fruity aroma, they are a true eye-catcher on the plate. They are also perfectly suited for mild sauces and carpaccio.

Thanks to their robustness, the variety thrives reliably in protected outdoor beds, greenhouses, and large containers. It impresses with a long harvest period and stable fruit set well into autumn, delivering high yields despite the imposing fruit size. The vigorous plants develop strong fruit clusters that securely carry the heavy fruits. Consistent watering and good nutrient uptake promote lush growth and enhance the aromatic quality of the fruits.

Compared to other beef tomatoes, 'Pineapple' is particularly large-fruited and unique in flavor – ideal for those who appreciate open-pollinated tomatoes with exceptional character and decorative appeal.

Cultivation_Overview_-_Anbau_im_Uberblick_-_Visao_geral_do_cultivo_-_www

Origin & Cultivation at a Glance

First mention:

1950s

Origin:

Breeder:

Unknown – propagated through conservation initiatives

Propagation site:

Alentejo - Portugal

Suitable for:

Open field, Greenhouse, Polytunnel, Balcony / pot, Urban gardening, Vertical cultivation

Care requirements:

Moderate to high - requires regular care and experience.

Overwintering:

Not winter-hardy – can be cultivated outdoors as an annual. Can be overwintered in a greenhouse in mild climates.

Special features:

High-yielding, Sun-loving / sunny, Heat-tolerant

Plant_Growing_Instructions_-_Pflanzen_Anbau-Anleitung_-_Instrucoes_de_cultivo_de_plantas_-_www

Cultivation guide for

<tc>Pineapple</tc>

Growing difficulty:

Medium to demanding

• In subtropical climates, pre-cultivation is possible from January - transplant outdoors from March in full sun, once day and night temperatures remain consistently above 15 °C.
• In temperate regions, start indoors from March – transplant outdoors in full sun from mid-May after the last frost.
• Sow in deep, well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich loamy soil - 0.5-1 cm deep. Plant spacing: 50 × 70 cm.

Cultivation tips:

• Beefsteak tomatoes are typically grown with a single stem to promote better air circulation and fruit development.
• In temperate climates, a rain cover is recommended – a simple roof or plastic tunnel is sufficient.
• A sturdy support structure with tomato hooks provides secure hold for the stems, boosts yield, and makes plant care easier.
• When transplanting seedlings, plant them deep into the soil up to the base of the seed leaves – this encourages strong root development and supports healthy growth.
• Consistent watering enhances fruit quality and promotes healthy plant growth.
• At temperatures below 5 °C, plant growth slows significantly - cold stress can hinder development.
• Regular harvesting encourages new fruit set and increases overall yield.
• Biochar and rock dust improve soil structure and enhance the retention of nutrients and water.

Storage instructions:

Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark, and airtight environment to maximize shelf life and germination.

Detailed information on seed storage

Plant Profile

Plant details

Botanical name:

<tc>Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Pineapple'</tc>

Botanical family:

Solanaceae

Plant type:

Fruit vegetables

Life cycle:

Perennial (grown as an annual)

Cultivation period:

6-7 months

Growth habit:

Upright growth, Indeterminate growth habit

Plant width:

50 cm

Plant height:

250 cm

Root type:

Deep-rooted, Taprooted

Hardy to:

3 °C – only suitable for overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse.

Cultural meaning:

Traditional

Suitability for cultivation and use:

Summer crop, Peak season, Self-sufficiency, Biodiversity, Variety conservation, Educational projects / School garden, Direct marketing, Ornamental plant, Fresh consumption

Propagation method:

Generative propagation by seed, Propagation by cuttings

Propagation:

• This tomato variety is self-pollinating but can also cross-pollinate via insects. It belongs to the species Solanum lycopersicum and produces bisexual flowers.
• A minimum distance of 20–50 m from other tomato varieties is recommended for seed production to avoid unwanted cross‑pollination by insects.
• This tomato plant is perennial and forms clusters of flowers after blooming, which turn into fruit packed with seeds.
• Tomato seeds are ready for harvest when the fruits are fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

Sowing & Planting

Germination type:

Dark germinator, Warm germinator

Sowing depth:

0,5-1 cm

Germination temperature:

22-28 °C

Germination time:

6-14 days

Pot culture:

Requires a minimum container size of 30-40 liters.

Row spacing for baby leaf:

Not suitable for baby-leaf cultivation.

Plant spacing:

50 cm

Row spacing:

70 cm

Pricking out / thinning out:

Thin out seedlings within 2 weeks after the formation of the first true leaf pairs.

Planting time:

Plant only in consistently warm weather – ideally after the last frosts, when both daytime and nighttime temperatures are mild. Tomato seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors about four weeks after potting up, once temperatures are consistently warm.

Soil

Soil type:

Deep, well-drained, humus-rich loam

Soil pH:

6.0-6.8 - slightly acidic to neutral

Nutrient requirements:

Heavy feeder

Soil moisture:

Evenly moist, Sensitive to waterlogging

Soil preparation:

Loosen soil deeply before sowing, Apply compost before planting., Apply lime to acidic soil., Prepare soil weed-free and with a fine crumb structure., Mulch layer for moisture regulation

Companion planting, Crop rotation & Harvest

Companion plants:

Bean, Carrot, Radish varieties, Onion, Garlic, Lettuce, Lamb’s lettuce, Spinach, Basil, Nasturtium, Calendula, Dill, Marjoram, Tagetes

Incompatible plants:

Eggplant, Physalis, Pepper / Chili pepper, Potato, Corn, Fennel, Pea, Beetroot, Celery, Cucurbits

Crop rotation guidelines:

• Do not plant after other nightshades – a minimum crop rotation interval of 3 years is recommended.
• Repeated cultivation at the same site increases disease pressure, leads to nutrient depletion, and impairs soil structure.
• Ideal previous crops include legumes, onions, root vegetables, and green manure – rotating crops supports healthy soil.
• Crop rotation with low-nutrient-demanding plants is recommended to prevent soil fatigue and maintain healthy growing conditions.
• Plan a green manure crop between heavy-feeding plants and this tomato variety to restore soil fertility.
• Avoid planting directly after heavy-feeding crops – allow the soil to recover and replenish nutrients first.

Harvest time:

Summer, Autumn

Sowing to harvest:

6-7 months

Harvested parts:

Fruits

Suitable for consumption:

Yes - edible raw or cooked.

Intended use:

Diet cuisine, Low Carb, Decoration, Raw consumption, Salad, Cooking, Roasting, Grilling, Baking, To purée, Juice / juicing, Preserving, Stuffing

Care & Cultivation practices

Water requirements:

High

Plant care techniques:

Water regularly - even during dry periods, Fertilize, Removing side shoots, Create a climbing support, Maintain weed-free, Inspect regularly for pest infestation

Plant protection:

Well-ventilated location and good drainage recommended., Mulching recommended

Cultivation notes:

May develop mildew in damp weather – an airy location is recommended. Sensitive to waterlogging – use well-drained soil.

Other names

EN - English names:

• Beefsteak tomato

DE - German names:

• Fleischtomate

PT - Portuguese names:

• Tomate carnudo

ES - Spanish names:

• Tomate carnoso

FR - French names:

• Tomate charnue

Practical_Planting_and_Care_Tips_-_Praktische_Aussaat-_und_Pflegetipps_-_Dicas_praticas_de_sementeira_e_cuidados_-_www

Practical sowing and care tips

Saattiefe - Bedingt Keimverhalten und Gesundheit

Further recommendations for you

100% open-pollinated & reproducible

Country/region

Language

'Pineapple' Beefsteak Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum

Local pickup at Benjis Seeds

Harvest year:

Seed viability:

Description

Cultivation & Characteristics

Tips & Reviews