Better Boy Tomato Info
Better Boy is a midseason, hybrid tomato that is extremely popular. The plants easily adapt to a variety of conditions and reliably produce fruit with classic tomato flavor. They mature in about 70-75 days, which makes them an excellent choice for a variety of USDA zones. Better Boy tomatoes are resistant to both verticillium and fusarium wilt, a key to their popularity. Another good thing about growing Better Boy tomatoes is their dense foliage. This heavy foliage protects the delicate fruit from sunscald. Better Boy tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they should be grown in cages or staked tepee-style. Because of their large size, 5-8 feet (1.5-2.5 m.) in height, Better Boy tomatoes are not suited to containers.
How to Grow a Better Boy
Better Boy growing requirements are similar to those for other tomatoes. They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.5-7.0) in full sun. Plant Better Boy tomatoes after all danger of frost has passed for your area. Start plants inside 6-8 weeks prior to planting outside. Place plants 36 inches (just under a meter) apart to allow for aeration, ease of harvest and to give the plants room to grow.
Caring for Better Boy Tomatoes
Although Better Boy tomatoes show disease resistance, it is best to rotate the crop. Use stakes or other supports to hold the plants upright. Pinch off the early buds and shoots to encourage vigorous growth. Add a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost to the soil mid-season. Water consistently but do not over water. Consistent watering will minimize the incidence of fruit split and end rot.
