[Fiona]

I would like to grow beef tomatoes this year but I have read that you need to grow them under glass. I dont have a greenhouse, can anyone recommend a variety that would grow outdoors? My neighbour managed this last year from plants he brought back from Sicily in the spring. I should mention I live in Switzerland on the French border so it is a slightly longer growing season than the south of England.

[WG.]

Hi Fiona & welcome.

I can't answer your question, sorry but someone should be along soon.  The frost-free season will be important - any idea of when the last and first frosts would be expected?

[gobs]

There will be a lot Fiona, that can be grown outdoors, Marmande is an old time favourite, others will add theirs. On the other hand, if you have a decent summer, all tomatoes can be treated as an outdoor crop, unless wanted very early.

And rather it's the other way around, outdoor ones will need help with pollination if grown inside.

[Fat Hen]

A couple of heirloom varieties spring to mind both produce large beef type toms (up to 2lb a piece, if your very lucky).  Both have fantastic flavour.

Black Russian
Pink Brandywine

Plants grow very large, fruits slow to mature, but worth it.

[ditchdigger]

Costoluto Fiorentino