Stump of the World
Single source · Reviewed Sep 8, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Heirloom beefsteak from USA. Large irregular pink potato-leaf beefsteak from Ben Quisenberry's collection, sweet with a small core. Ready in about 85 days from transplant.
- Heirloom
- 85 days to maturity (from transplant)
- Indeterminate
- Large fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Beefsteak 10–24 oz (280–680 g) · Flattened globe
- Leaf type
- Potato leaf
- Plant height
- 4–6 ft (120–180 cm) Medium height
- Spacing
- 24 × 35 in (60 × 90 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground
- Container growing
- Not suited to pots
- Skin
-
- Pink
- Interior
-
- Pink
Plant size and habit
Medium height · Indeterminate
4–6 ft (120–180 cm) · Potato leaf
Stump of the World is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 4–6 ft (120–180 cm).
Flavor
“Large irregular pink potato-leaf beefsteak from Ben Quisenberry's collection, sweet with a small core.”
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
- Slicing
- Fresh & salads
- Heirloom classic
- High flavor
Origin
Introduced by Ben Quisenberry of Ohio, the seed saver who also preserved the pink potato-leaf Brandywine. According to Quisenberry's grandson the original Stump of the World was a regular-leaf tomato that Ben renamed because he disliked its previous name, so the potato-leaf plant grown under this name today may not be the same tomato Quisenberry held. One theory has the name referring to the stump or root of Jesse in the Bible, Quisenberry being a devout man.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
| Shop | Offer | Price | Packet | Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Growers Supply Company | Seeds | $3.25Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Pack (30 seeds) | Check availability | Buy |
- BuyTomato Growers Supply CompanySeeds
Pack (30 seeds)
Check availability
$3.25Checked Sep 16, 2026
Links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices checked Sep 16, 2026; not live.
All photos
-
Stump of the World tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Stump of the World tomatoes -
Stump of the World tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Stump of the World tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Stump of the World tomatoes -
Stump of the World tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Stump of the World take to mature?
Stump of the World is ready in about 85 days from transplant.
Does Stump of the World need staking?
Stump of the World is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 4–6 ft (120–180 cm).
Can Stump of the World be grown in a container?
Stump of the World is better suited to open ground or a greenhouse bed than a container.
Is Stump of the World resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Stump of the World.
See also
Other beefsteak varieties people put next to this one.
Grows like this one
Indeterminate, mid-late, full sun. Same support, same calendar.
