Seed Bag Tomato Buffalo Steak HF1 Vilmorin

Buffalo Steak HF1 Tomato from Vilmorin (Reference: 3985542) represents excellence in vegetable seed. This prestige F1 hybrid variety, developed by the Vilmorin teams, a benchmark brand since 1743, offers exceptional performance for producing tomatoes of impressive size. Certified to the strictest European standards, this seed guarantees optimal germination and consistent quality.

Benefits and uses

The Buffalo Steak HF1 is aimed at demanding gardeners looking for exceptionally large tomatoes for their salads, sandwiches and cooking. With fruit weighing between 300 and 500 grams, it rivals the finest heirloom varieties while bringing the robustness of modern hybrids. Its flattened, ribbed shape makes it a prime choice for farmers' markets and direct sales, where appearance matters as much as taste.

Particularly well suited to family gardens as well as small to medium-sized market-garden holdings, this variety is perfect for growing under glass, in a tunnel or in open ground in temperate regions. Its ability to produce bulky fruit makes it a variety of choice for horticultural competitions and shows.

Technical features and innovation

This F1 hybrid variety benefits from the latest innovations in plant breeding. Its improved genetic heritage gives it remarkable resistance to the main fungal diseases affecting tomatoes: blight, early blight (alternaria) and fusarium wilt. This robustness allows more peaceful growing, with fewer plant-protection treatments.

The particular cell structure of its fruit guarantees dense, juicy flesh with a reduced seed content, maximising the edible part. The indeterminate habit of the plant requires solid staking, as the plant can reach 180 to 200 cm in height in optimal conditions. Its ability to adapt to tired soils makes it a particularly interesting variety for difficult crop rotations.

The earliness of this variety allows harvesting from 75 to 80 days after transplanting, optimising the production season. Its productive potential can reach 4 to 6 kg per plant in good growing conditions.

Planting, use and care

Sowing is done from March to May under cover, in a fine, enriched compost, at a constant temperature of 18-20°C. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.5 cm and maintain constant moisture without excess. Germination generally takes place within 6 to 10 days.

Pricking out is done at the 3-4 true-leaf stage into individual pots, then final planting after the "Ice Saints" (the traditional late-frost period in France), around mid-May depending on the region. Keep 60 cm between plants and 80 cm between rows to ensure good air circulation. Install robust stakes of at least 2 metres straight away.

Regular care includes weekly tying-in, removing the side shoots and regular watering at the base to avoid moisture on the foliage. A potassium-rich fertiliser during fruiting optimises the size and flavour of the fruit. Harvest is staggered from July to October depending on the region.

Tips, pairings and expert advice

To maximise fruit size, practise truss thinning, keeping only 4 to 5 tomatoes per truss. This technique concentrates the sap on the remaining fruit, guaranteeing exceptional sizes. Pair this variety with purple or green basils, which naturally repel certain pests while creating remarkable flavour combinations.

Laying organic mulches (straw, dried grass clippings) keeps the soil moist and limits foliage diseases. Complete your arsenal with organic fertilisers rich in calcium to prevent blossom-end rot, frequent on large fruit.

Combine this variety with other tomatoes of different sizes: cherry tomatoes for aperitifs, elongated varieties for sauces, thus creating a balanced and productive vegetable garden. Pairing with marigolds and nasturtiums creates a favourable environment while adding an aesthetic dimension to the garden.

Keeping tip: pick the last green fruit before the frosts and place them in a temperate room with ripe apples to speed up ripening. This technique extends the tasting season until November.

Technical specifications