The "
Merrill Schulz Beefsteak
" variety was named in honor of Merrill Schulz of Columbus, Ohio, who spent more than 50 years selecting the largest tomatoes and saving their seeds for subsequent growing seasons. Every year, he gave away hundreds of seedlings to his friends. The fruits of this variety are large; according to TomatoFest’s description, they weigh about 450–900 g, have a slightly ribbed shape, and are a deep red color. They are characterized by an excellent, well-balanced flavor with hints of sweetness and acidity, making them ideal for sandwiches and salads.
The plants are tall, indeterminate, with regular leaves, and require staking. Although their yield is moderate, the fruits are juicy and very aromatic, which makes up for the lower yield. This variety is medium-early, and the fruits ripen about 70–75 days after planting.
After Merrill Schulz’s death in 2010, his friend, Dr. Carey Hord, gave the preserved seeds to Gary Ibsen. Thanks to this, the tomato—which had been shared with friends for decades—gained a chance to find its way into new gardens.
