Delicious – a beefsteak tomato of impressive size and flavour
What sets Delicious apart
Delicious is an impressive beefsteak tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that lives up to its name. It produces gigantic tomatoes with excellent flavour – ideal if you want to grow tomatoes from seed and impress at the table and over the garden fence.
Background and name
Delicious is an American variety long known for its record-sized tomatoes. It has held the Guinness record for the largest tomato – a full 3.15 kg!
Appearance and growth habit
A tall (indeterminate) tomato that needs plenty of space, tying in and pinching out. The fruits are often 500–1000 grams, meaty and slightly ribbed.
Flavour and uses of Delicious
A mild, balanced tomato flavour with a juicy texture. Good sliced fresh, in sandwiches, grilled or in a tomato soup with body.
Ripening time, resilience and storage
Ripens after about 80 days. Tolerates high heat but should be watered regularly. The fruits stay fresh for a few days and are best eaten straight away.
Pollination tips
When growing in a greenhouse, shake the flower trusses gently to help pollination.
How to grow Delicious
Sow in March–April. Plant out in a greenhouse or a very warm spot outdoors. Pinch out regularly and provide support. Ripens after about 80 days.
The price is for 10 tomato seeds
Sow in seed compost and keep the compost lightly moist until the seeds germinate. Pot on into larger pots with nutrient-rich compost once the seedlings have their first true leaves. Harden off before planting out. Does best in a greenhouse or a warm spot outdoors. Provide support, pinch out regularly and water evenly for the best results.
