When to Plant Tomatoes in Boston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 6b

Bonnie Plants Early Girl Tomato 2-Pack

https://bonnieplants.com/products/early-girl-tomato

The most reliable tomato variety for Boston gardeners, this F1 hybrid produces medium-sized red slicers in just 50-62 days from transplant. Bred specifically for cool-climate performance, Early Girl sets fruit at lower temperatures than most varieties, making it perfect for Boston's sometimes unpredictable spring weather. The compact growth habit requires minimal staking while producing 6-8 pounds of fruit per plant. VFF disease resistance provides protection against Verticillium and Fusarium wilts common in Massachusetts soils. Excellent fresh eating quality with balanced acid-to-sugar ratio.

Price: $4.99-$6.99

Burpee Stupice Heirloom Tomato Seeds

https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/tomatoes/tomato-stupice-prod000770.html

Originally developed in Czechoslovakia for cold climate growing, Stupice excels in Boston's Zone 6b conditions where other varieties struggle. This indeterminate heirloom produces 2-3 inch red fruits with exceptional flavor complexity despite its early maturity at 52-60 days. The potato-leaf foliage provides distinctive appearance while demonstrating superior cold tolerance, continuing to set fruit when temperatures drop into the 40s°F. Plants remain productive throughout Boston's entire growing season, often yielding 15-20 pounds per plant. The open-pollinated nature allows seed saving.

Price: $3.49-$4.99

Johnny's Selected Seeds Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/tomatoes/slicing-tomatoes/cherokee-purple-tomato-seed-2696.html

This legendary heirloom produces large, dusky purple-brown beefsteaks with complex smoky flavor that commands premium prices at farmers markets. Despite its Southern origins, Cherokee Purple adapts remarkably well to Boston's maritime climate, showing better humidity tolerance than most large-fruited heirlooms. The indeterminate plants require strong staking but reward gardeners with 1-2 pound fruits featuring distinctive green gel surrounding the seeds. Matures in 75-90 days, making it ideal for Boston's 183-day growing season. Unique coloration creates unforgettable taste experience.

Price: $4.25-$5.95

Territorial Seed Company San Marzano 2 Improved Tomato Seeds

https://territorialseed.com/products/tomato-san-marzano-2

An improved strain of the famous Italian processing tomato, San Marzano 2 adds Verticillium and Fusarium wilt resistance to the exceptional flavor and meaty texture of the original. These elongated paste tomatoes thrive in Boston's moderate climate, producing abundant 4-5 inch fruits perfect for sauce-making and canning. The improved disease resistance makes this variety far more reliable than heirloom San Marzano strains in Massachusetts' humid conditions. Plants mature in 78-85 days and produce continuously until frost, often yielding 10-15 pounds of premium paste tomatoes per plant.

Price: $4.50-$6.25

High Mowing Organic Seeds Sungold F1 Cherry Tomato

https://www.highmowingseeds.com/sungold-cherry-tomato.html

Widely considered the best-tasting cherry tomato available, Sungold produces clusters of golden-orange fruits with exceptional sweetness often exceeding 9.0 Brix levels. This F1 hybrid combines premium flavor with robust disease resistance including Fusarium wilt and Tobacco Mosaic Virus protection crucial for Boston's growing conditions. The vigorous indeterminate vines require strong support but produce continuously from July through October, often yielding over 200 fruits per plant. The thin skin makes these prone to splitting during heavy rains, but unmatched tropical flavor makes it indispensable for fresh eating.

Price: $4.95-$6.50