Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy', Big Boy Tomato
Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy'

Big Boy Tomato

UnknownSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitindeterminate vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10a - 11b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
Zone 11a
Zone 11b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' is a vigorous indeterminate tomato cultivar celebrated for producing exceptionally large, globe-shaped fruits that regularly exceed 1 pound in weight. This classic variety displays the characteristic compound pinnate leaves with deeply serrated leaflets that release the distinctive tomato aroma when touched or brushed against. The plant develops a robust, sprawling growth habit with strong stems that require substantial support systems to handle the considerable weight of its oversized fruit production, often reaching impressive heights of 6-8 feet when properly staked or caged. Small, bright yellow five-petaled flowers emerge in pendant clusters along the stems throughout the growing season, eventually developing into the cultivar's signature large, smooth-skinned red tomatoes. Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' stands apart from other tomato varieties through its exceptional fruit size, dense meaty texture with minimal seed cavities, and consistent production of uniformly large tomatoes from early summer until the first killing frost.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western regions of South America, particularly the mountainous Andes regions of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestor species continue to thrive in their natural habitat. The species was subsequently cultivated and selectively bred by indigenous peoples throughout Central America, especially in Mexico, before Spanish explorers introduced it to European gardens during the 16th century.

Suggested Uses

vegetable gardens, large container cultivation, greenhouse production, fresh slicing tomatoes for sandwiches and salads

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' can be readily identified by its indeterminate growth pattern with continuously extending vines, compound leaves featuring 5-9 deeply serrated leaflets, and distinctive clusters of small bright yellow star-shaped flowers. The most distinguishing characteristic is the fruit itself - remarkably large, perfectly round red tomatoes typically weighing 12-16 ounces or more, with exceptionally smooth skin and dense, meaty flesh. Unlike determinate bush varieties, this cultivar maintains active growth and fruit production throughout the entire growing season until terminated by frost.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
early summer through first frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium green with deeply serrated compound leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• 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
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high with consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

4-5 months from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' requires consistent deep watering to maintain steady growth and prevent fruit cracking, providing 1-2 inches of water weekly while carefully avoiding moisture on the foliage to minimize disease risk. Feed plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the vegetative growth phase, then transition to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus formula once flowering commences to encourage fruit development over excessive leaf production. Install heavy-duty support structures such as sturdy cages or strong stakes early in the season, as the substantial weight of mature fruits can easily topple inadequately supported plants. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain consistent soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress competing weeds throughout the growing season.

Pruning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Boy' benefits significantly from regular removal of suckers - the vigorous shoots that develop between the main stem and lateral branches - to channel the plant's energy into fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Remove lower leaves that come into contact with the soil surface to improve air circulation and prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant. Pinch out suckers when they are small and tender using clean fingers or pruning shears, and promptly remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and productivity.

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 20 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Ripe red fruits are completely safe and nutritious for human consumption. However, green unripe tomatoes, leaves, stems, and root systems contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that can be toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities, potentially causing digestive upset and other symptoms.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - requires transplants

Days to Maturity

78–85 days

Plant Spacing

36 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
carrots
onions
garlic
nasturtiums
marigolds

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
potatoes
peppers
eggplant