The Better Boy Plus tomato is a disease-resistant hybrid variety known for its high yields of 8-12 ounce fruit with classic tomato flavor. This indeterminate vine produces throughout the season and offers VFN resistance (Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes), making it ideal for home gardeners seeking reliable production in challenging conditions.
When you're planning your garden, selecting the right tomato variety can make the difference between a disappointing harvest and a season overflowing with juicy, flavorful fruit. The Better Boy Plus tomato stands out as one of the most dependable varieties for home gardeners across diverse growing conditions. Unlike many heirloom varieties that require perfect conditions, this hybrid delivers consistent performance even when faced with common garden challenges.
What Makes Better Boy Plus Tomato Special
Better Boy Plus represents an evolution of the classic Better Boy tomato, enhanced with additional disease resistance traits that address modern gardening challenges. Developed through careful hybridization, this variety maintains the beloved characteristics of its predecessor while offering improved protection against common soil-borne pathogens.
Gardeners consistently report that Better Boy Plus produces firm, round fruits weighing 8-12 ounces with that classic "tomato" flavor many modern hybrids have lost. The fruits feature smooth, deep red skin and meaty interiors with minimal cracking—perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Unlike some disease-resistant varieties that sacrifice taste for protection, Better Boy Plus delivers both reliable production and excellent flavor.
Disease Resistance Profile: Your Garden's First Line of Defense
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Better Boy Plus is its comprehensive disease resistance package. This variety carries VFN resistance, protecting against three major tomato pathogens that can devastate unprotected plants:
| Disease | Symptoms | Better Boy Plus Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Verticillium Wilt | Yellowing lower leaves, wilting, plant death | Complete resistance prevents infection |
| Fusarium Wilt | Yellowing between veins, one-sided wilting | Complete resistance prevents infection |
| Nematodes | Stunted growth, root galls, reduced yield | Significantly reduced damage |
According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, varieties with VFN resistance can increase tomato yields by 30-50% in soils where these pathogens are present. This makes Better Boy Plus particularly valuable for gardeners with limited space who cannot practice crop rotation effectively.
Optimal Growing Conditions and Care Requirements
While Better Boy Plus offers impressive disease resistance, providing proper growing conditions will maximize your harvest potential. As an indeterminate variety, this tomato continues growing and producing fruit throughout the season until killed by frost.
Planting and Spacing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation.
Soil and Fertilization: Tomatoes thrive in well-draining soil with pH between 6.2-6.8. Incorporate 3-4 inches of compost into your planting area before transplanting. Apply balanced organic fertilizer at planting time, then side-dress with calcium-rich amendments when first flowers appear to prevent blossom end rot.
Watering Practices: Consistent moisture is critical for preventing fruit cracking and blossom end rot. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly (more during hot, dry periods) to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease pressure—drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best.
Harvesting and Culinary Applications
Better Boy Plus typically matures in 72-78 days from transplant. Harvest when fruits develop uniform deep red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. For best flavor, allow tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine, though you can pick them at the "breaker stage" (first blush of color) and ripen indoors if needed.
The firm texture and balanced flavor profile make Better Boy Plus exceptionally versatile in the kitchen:
- Slicing tomatoes: Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and caprese salads
- Canning and sauces: Meaty texture with moderate juice content
- Fresh eating: Excellent flavor for garden-to-table meals
- Roasting: Holds shape well when roasted for pasta dishes
How Better Boy Plus Compares to Similar Varieties
When selecting tomato varieties, understanding how options compare helps you make informed decisions. Better Boy Plus occupies a sweet spot between disease resistance and flavor that makes it particularly valuable for home gardeners.
| Variety | Size | Disease Resistance | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Boy Plus | 8-12 oz | VFN | Balanced sweet-tart | All-purpose |
| Big Beef | 10-12 oz | VFNT | Sweet, complex | Slicing |
| Roma | 2-4 oz | VFNA | Concentrated, less juicy | Sauces |
| Brandywine | 12-16 oz | None | Rich, complex | Fresh eating |
Unlike heirloom varieties like Brandywine that offer exceptional flavor but little disease resistance, Better Boy Plus provides reliable production with minimal fuss. Compared to other hybrids like Big Beef, it maintains similar disease resistance with slightly smaller fruit size but excellent flavor characteristics.
When Better Boy Plus Works Best (and When to Consider Alternatives)
Understanding the context boundaries for Better Boy Plus helps you determine if it's the right choice for your specific gardening situation:
Ideal for:
- Gardeners in regions with warm, humid climates where disease pressure is high
- First-time tomato growers seeking reliable results
- Gardeners with limited space who cannot rotate crops effectively
- Those seeking consistent production throughout the growing season
Consider alternatives when:
- You're growing in extremely cool coastal climates (better suited to varieties like Stupice)
- You specifically want heirloom flavor profiles regardless of disease susceptibility
- You're practicing strict organic methods without access to disease-resistant varieties
- You need very small tomatoes for containers (consider patio varieties instead)
According to the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Better Boy Plus performs well in zones 5-11, with optimal production in zones 6-9 where summer temperatures consistently reach 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Maximizing Your Better Boy Plus Harvest
Implement these proven techniques to get the most from your Better Boy Plus plants:
Proper Support: Install strong cages or trellises at planting time—indeterminate varieties can reach 6-8 feet tall. The University of Maryland Extension recommends using 6-7 foot stakes with horizontal stringing for best results with tall varieties.
Pruning Strategy: Remove suckers (side shoots) when small to maintain 2-3 main stems. This improves air circulation and directs energy toward fruit production rather than excessive foliage.
Pest Management: Monitor for common pests like tomato hornworms and aphids. Hand-pick larger pests and use insecticidal soap for smaller infestations. Companion planting with basil can help repel certain pests naturally.
End-of-Season Harvest: As frost approaches, pick all nearly ripe fruit (with some red color) and allow to ripen indoors. Green tomatoes can be used for pickling, frying, or making chutney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Better Boy Plus tomatoes to mature?
Better Boy Plus tomatoes typically reach maturity in 72-78 days from transplanting. This means you can expect your first harvest approximately 10-11 weeks after planting established seedlings in your garden. The exact timing may vary slightly based on growing conditions, with warmer temperatures generally accelerating maturity.
Can Better Boy Plus tomatoes be grown in containers?
Yes, Better Boy Plus can be grown in containers, though it requires careful management. Use a container with at least a 5-gallon capacity (larger is better), provide strong support as the plant grows, and water consistently as container plants dry out faster. Expect slightly reduced yields compared to in-ground plants, but with proper care, you can still get a good harvest from container-grown Better Boy Plus.
Why are my Better Boy Plus tomatoes cracking?
Tomato cracking typically occurs due to inconsistent watering. When plants experience drought followed by heavy watering or rain, the fruit expands rapidly, causing the skin to split. To prevent cracking, maintain consistent soil moisture through regular deep watering and mulching. Better Boy Plus has good crack resistance compared to many varieties, but extreme moisture fluctuations can still cause issues.
How should I store harvested Better Boy Plus tomatoes?
Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight until fully ripe. Never refrigerate tomatoes before they're fully ripe, as cold temperatures destroy flavor compounds and alter texture. Once fully ripe, use within 2-3 days or refrigerate for short-term storage (up to 5 days). For longer storage, consider canning, freezing, or drying your harvest.
Does Better Boy Plus require pollination assistance?
Better Boy Plus is a self-pollinating variety that typically doesn't require manual pollination assistance when grown outdoors. The movement of wind and insects usually provides sufficient pollination. However, if growing in a protected environment like a greenhouse with limited airflow, gently shaking the plants during flowering can improve pollination and fruit set.
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