What are the sun requirements for Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy'?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' need?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' has Medium water needs.

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy'

Big Boy Tomato

F1 hybrid cultivar (introduced 1949 by W. Atlee Burpee & Co.); the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitClimbing

FoliageDeciduous

Height72-96 inches (180-240 cm)

Width36-48 inches (90-120 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' is Big Boy tomato, an indeterminate annual vine growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on sturdy stakes or heavy cages. Large globe-shaped red slicing tomatoes 12-16 ounces (340-450 g) — routinely over 1 pound (0.45 kg). Smooth skin and dense meaty flesh with minimal seed cavities. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in pendant clusters. Medium green pinnately compound foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). F1 hybrid (introduced 1949 by W. Atlee Burpee & Co.) — one of the first F1 hybrid tomatoes and still widely grown. Indeterminate: continues growing and producing until frost. VF resistant: Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and Fusarium wilt race 1 (Fusarium oxysporum). The heavy fruit (1+ lb / 0.45+ kg per tomato) requires sturdy staking. Consistent watering is critical — inconsistent moisture causes blossom end rot and cracking in the large fruit. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Remove suckers weekly. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

F1 hybrid cultivar introduced in 1949 by W. Atlee Burpee & Co. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 20 gallons (76 L). Large slicing tomato (1+ lb). Indeterminate — produces until frost. VF resistant. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by large globe-shaped red slicing fruit routinely over 1 pound (0.45 kg) with dense meaty flesh on an indeterminate vine. The large size, the smooth skin, and the VF resistance distinguish Big Boy. F1 hybrid. In Solanaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in pendant clusters. Self-pollinating. Fruit 78-85 days from transplant. Indeterminate: continuous production until frost.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in pendant clusters

Foliage Description

Medium green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets, fine hairs

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

78-85 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Rich well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Indeterminate — sturdy stakes or heavy cage (6-8 feet). Remove suckers weekly. Consistent watering critical — blossom end rot and cracking. VF resistant. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.

Pruning

Remove suckers weekly from leaf axils. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Sturdy support required — 1+ lb fruit per tomato.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall