Solanum lycopersicum Better Boy Plus Tomato Solanum lycopersicum Better Boy Plus Tomato is an upgraded, high-yielding hybrid variety, valued for its massive red fruits and superior disease resistance package. Growing to about 5 to 8 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, this indeterminate variety is perfect for home vegetable gardens, market growers, and large containers where reliability and flavor are paramount. Unlike the original classic, Better Boy Plus offers enhanced resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and gray leaf spot, ensuring a robust, healthy plant that produces an extended harvest of smooth, 1-pound slicers well into the fall. Culinary and Practical Uses The juicy, balanced flavor profile—striking the perfect ratio of sweet to acid—makes it an exceptional choice for fresh slicing on sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Its dense, meaty flesh holds up beautifully when cooked, making it a versatile kitchen staple for homemade marinara sauces, soups, and salsas. Rich in lycopene, Vitamin C, and potassium, providing a nutrient-dense addition to daily meals. Characteristics Foliage: Dense, vigorous green leaves that provide excellent coverage, protecting the developing fruit from sunscald; highly resistant to common foliage diseases. Growth Habit: Indeterminate vining habit that continues to grow and set fruit throughout the season; requires sturdy cages or stakes to support the heavy yield. Flowers: Produces clusters of small, bright yellow blossoms that self-pollinate and rapidly develop into large, globose fruits. Seeds: F1 Hybrid seeds that offer vigorous germination and disease resistance; seeds saved from these plants will not produce true-to-type offspring. Growing Requirements Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize sugar content and fruit size. Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers fertile, deep, well-draining soil enriched with compost and a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Water: Requires consistent, deep watering; regular moisture is critical to preventing blossom end rot and fruit cracking, especially during dry spells. Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for air circulation and manage the vigorous vine growth. Maintenance: Prune "suckers" (side shoots) to improve airflow and fruit size; feed regularly with a tomato-specific fertilizer once the first fruits begin to form. Shipping Info Better Boy Plus Tomato seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.
