Malinowy Beef Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) – Large, Sweet Heirloom Tomato

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Common Name: Malinowy Beef Tomato
Heirloom | Open-Pollinated | Non-GMO | Annual

Malinowy is a traditional Polish heirloom beefsteak tomato known for its large, round fruits with a rich, sweet flavour and beautiful deep pink (raspberry) colour. Well-suited to the Irish climate when grown in greenhouses or polytunnels, this variety produces abundant, firm, juicy tomatoes perfect for slicing, salads, and cooking.

Horticultural Points

• Fruit Size: Large beefsteak type, up to 300–400g each
• Colour: Deep pink to raspberry red
• Flavour: Sweet, rich, well-balanced acidity
• Plant Size: Indeterminate, requiring staking or support
• Days to Maturity: 75–90 days from transplant under protection
• Yield: High-yielding, continuous production throughout summer

Growing Information (Irish Conditions)

• Sow Indoors: Late February to early March for transplanting in late May
• Growing Environment: Greenhouse or heated polytunnel strongly recommended
• Transplant: After the last frost and when soil temperatures rise (May)
• Light: Full sun exposure, ideally 8+ hours daily
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–6.8
• Watering: Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging to reduce disease risk
• Feeding: Use a balanced tomato fertiliser or feed regularly with liquid feed during fruiting
• Spacing: 45–60 cm between plants
• Harvest: Pick when fruits are fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch

Historical Background

• Malinowy, meaning “raspberry” in Polish, is a cherished heirloom from Poland, prized for its distinctive colour and sweet, aromatic flavour.
• Its beefsteak size and rich taste make it a staple in traditional Polish cuisine and a favourite among heirloom tomato enthusiasts worldwide.
• In Ireland, it thrives under protection, offering gardeners a reliable and rewarding summer harvest.

Gardening Tips

• Prune side shoots (suckers) regularly to focus plant energy on large fruits.
• Provide sturdy support and maintain good airflow to prevent fungal diseases common in cooler, humid Irish summers.