How to Cultivate Bountiful Better Boy Tomatoes
Plant Characteristics and Benefits
The Better Boy tomato, a popular hybrid indeterminate variety, thrives in diverse climates. Known for its juicy, crisp texture and classic tomato flavor, it’s a versatile ingredient for culinary creations. These tomatoes boast large, one-pound fruits that ripen midseason, approximately 70 to 75 days after planting. Their disease resistance to verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and other maladies ensures healthy growth. Dense foliage safeguards the fruit from excessive sun exposure, preventing sunscald. However, due to their substantial size, they require staking or caging to maintain an upright posture and are not suitable for container cultivation.
Cultural Requirements
Light:
Better Boy tomatoes flourish in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce an abundance of fruit.
Soil:
These tomatoes adapt well to a range of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil with ample organic matter for optimal health. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.5 to 6.8.
Water:
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial to prevent fruit split or blossom end rot. Water at the base of the plants, avoiding foliage and soil splashback onto the leaves to minimize fungal and soil-borne diseases.
Temperature and Humidity:
Better Boy tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures and prefer moderate humidity. Avoid excessive humidity, as it can lead to moisture-related diseases. Protect plants from frost, which can damage or kill them.
Fertilizer:
Compost enriches the soil and provides additional nutrients. Incorporate it before planting and again midseason during fruit production. Alternatively, use a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable plants.
Cultivation Techniques
Pruning:
Proper pruning promotes healthy, productive tomato plants. Remove lower leaves several inches from the ground to prevent contact with the soil, reducing the risk of rot and improving airflow. Direct the plant’s energy into one or two main stems by removing suckers. Trim off early buds to encourage robust growth and abundant fruit production. Towards the end of summer, prune the plant’s tip to divert energy into the remaining fruits.
Propagation:
Propagating Better Boy tomatoes is a simple process:
- Remove a sucker from the plant using sharp, clean scissors.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
- Place the cut end in water or nutrient-rich potting soil in a starter container. Water the cuttings in soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light until the cutting develops roots and adapts to sunlight exposure.
- Transplant the cutting into the ground once it has established roots.
Growing from Seed:
Many gardeners prefer to start their tomato plants from seed.
- Begin indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep moist and warm.
- Move the seed tray to a sunny location or use grow lights after seedlings emerge.
- Harden off the plants gradually for a week before transplanting them into the garden after the last frost.
- Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil for planting.
Overwintering
In warm climates, Better Boy tomatoes can be grown as perennials. However, in most regions, they are treated as annuals. If you wish to overwinter your plants, consider the following methods:
- Container method: Move a large bucket-grown plant indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Sucker propagation method: Propagate suckers in a large container filled with quality potting soil. Keep them in a warm location with ample sunlight and moisture.
Remember that overwintered plants may not produce as many fruits in their second year. For optimal results, grow Better Boy tomatoes as annuals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Blossom End Rot:
This condition, caused by calcium deficiency, can be prevented by maintaining consistent soil moisture and applying calcium-rich fertilizers.
Tomato Hornworms:
These pests can defoliate plants. Control them by handpicking or using insecticidal soap.
Fusarium Wilt:
This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. Avoid planting tomatoes in areas with a history of the disease and choose resistant varieties like Better Boy.
Sunburn:
Protect tomatoes from excessive sun exposure by ensuring adequate foliage cover or providing shade during peak sunlight hours.
By following these cultivation techniques and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious Better Boy tomatoes throughout the growing season.