Indeterminate Tomato 'Buffalo Steak' (Solanum lycopersicum) - high-performing hybrid beefsteak tomato that produces deep-red fruits weighing 500 g to 1 kg each. The fruits are meaty, low-seeded, crack-resistant, and deliver the classic rich, sweet-tangy tomato flavour that modern hybrids often lack.
Key features:
- Well-suited for container growing (30–40 L pot recommended);
- Compact indeterminate habit (1.5–2 m tall), easy to support with a stake or cage;
- Excellent heat and humidity tolerance – performs reliably in Singapore’s tropical climate;
- Strong disease resistance and consistent heavy yields.
Ideal for HDB balconies, small patios, or rooftop gardens where space is limited. One plant can produce 20 or more large fruits in a single season, offering fresh, premium-quality tomatoes far superior to most supermarket options. This cordon variety is perfect for containers or planters in the greenhouse or on the patio, but can also be planted in a sunny spot in the garden Height: 200cm (79"). Spread: 50cm (20"). Matures in 75-80 days after seedlings emerge.
Companion planting: Try growing tomatoes with French Marigolds to deter whitefly, and basil, chives or mint to deter aphids and other pests.
Growing:
Use moist paper towel method to speed up the germination (optional).
Sow: Depth: 3–5 mm (barely cover). Germination: 5–8 days. Transplant: At 10–15 cm (2 true leaves) to final pot. Minimum 30–40 L pot (40–50 cm diameter, deep). Must have drainage holes. Install a strong stake or tomato cage at planting time.
Soil: Use a premium vegetable potting mix (e.g., imported mixes with perlite/vermiculite). Mix in 20–30% compost or well-rotted chicken manure + 1 handful of slow-release fertiliser (13-13-13 or 15-15-15). pH 6.0–6.8 is perfect.
Light: Place in full sun: at least 6–8 hours direct sunlight daily (west- or south-facing HDB balcony ideal). Avoid shaded corridors.
Watering: Regular to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Water when soil is dry to the touch. Water deeply every morning (or evening if soil surface dry). Never let pot dry out completely — Buffalo Steak is a heavy feeder and drinker. In rainy season, ensure pot does not sit in water; raise pot on feet.
Fertilizing: Week 1–4 after transplant: weekly liquid feed high in nitrogen (e.g., fish emulsion or 20-10-10). From first flower cluster: switch to high-potash tomato fertiliser (e.g., 8-12-24 or Tomorite) twice weekly. Side-dress with compost or chicken pellets every 3–4 weeks.
Polination (Critical in High Humidity):
1. Shake plants gently every morning 9–11 am (mimics wind).
2. Use an electric toothbrush or small fan pointed at flowers for 10 seconds.
3. Spray flowers lightly with water in the morning (helps pollen stick).
Common Problems & Solutions in tropical climate:
1. Blossom-end rot → calcium deficiency + uneven watering → keep soil evenly moist + weekly calcium foliar spray.
2. Fungal diseases (early blight, powdery mildew) → improve airflow, prune lower leaves, neem oil spray weekly as preventive.
3. Fruit cracking → sudden heavy rain after dry spell → mulch heavily + shelter during storms.
4. Whiteflies & aphids → yellow sticky traps + neem oil + dish soap spray.
5. Caterpillars (tomato hornworm) → hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
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