Marmande
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Heirloom slicer from France. The French ribbed slicer: continental Europe's answer to the American beefsteak. Ready in about 75 days from transplant.
- Heirloom
- 75 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Semi-determinate
- Medium fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Slicer 5–8 oz (140–230 g) · Ribbed (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Plant height
- 4–5 ft (120–150 cm) (estimated) Medium height
- Spacing
- 22 × 35 in (55 × 90 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground · Container
- Container growing
- Balcony friendly min. 7 gal (30 L) pot (estimated)
- Skin
-
- Red
- Interior
-
- Red
Plant size and habit
Medium height · Semi-determinate
4–5 ft (120–150 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Marmande is a semi-determinate plant: it keeps growing a little past that point and spreads its harvest over a longer window without climbing indefinitely; a stake or cage is usually enough support. Expect a plant of 4–5 ft (120–150 cm).
Flavor
“The French ribbed slicer: continental Europe's answer to the American beefsteak.”
Growing calendar
- Sow indoors
- Transplant out
- Harvest
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Fresh & salads
- Slicing
- Sauce & paste
- Heirloom classic
- Market favorite
- Cold climate
Origin
Marmande comes from the town of the same name in south-west France and is the reference ribbed slicer across continental Europe, where it fills the role Beefsteak plays in North America. The plant stops earlier than a full indeterminate, which is part of why it performs in shorter and cooler seasons.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
All photos
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Marmande tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Marmande tomatoes -
Marmande tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Marmande tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Marmande tomatoes -
Marmande tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Marmande take to mature?
Marmande is ready in about 75 days from transplant.
Does Marmande need staking?
Marmande is a semi-determinate plant: it keeps growing a little past that point and spreads its harvest over a longer window without climbing indefinitely; a stake or cage is usually enough support. Expect a plant of 4–5 ft (120–150 cm).
Can Marmande be grown in a container?
Yes — Marmande grows well in a container of at least 30 L (7 gal).
Is Marmande resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Marmande.
See also
Other slicer varieties people put next to this one.
