Ponderosa is one of the large-fruited classics from the old American seed catalogs. Peter Henderson & Co. introduced it in 1891 and highlighted the fruit’s fleshiness and large size in subsequent catalogs. Historical advertisements can be seen in the 1928 Henderson catalog.
In our cultivation, the fruits reach up to 800 g. They have a delicate skin, few seeds, and an intense tomato flavor. This beefsteak variety is best enjoyed in thick slices on a sandwich. It matures about 85 days after transplanting the seedlings, and the tall plants require staking.
For comparison, we recommend “Ponderosa Golden”—a yellow variety from this historic group.
