Is Better Boy Tomatoes a Heat Tolerant Plant?

Better Boy tomatoes are one of the most popular tomato varieties grown in the United States. They are known for their juicy, meaty, and flavorful fruits that make them perfect for slicing, canning, and making salsa. However, many growers wonder whether Better Boy tomatoes are heat tolerant and can survive hot and dry summers. In this article, we will explore the heat tolerance of Better Boy tomatoes and give you some tips on how to grow healthy and productive plants in hot weather conditions.

Heat Tolerance of Better Boy Tomatoes

Like many tomato varieties, Better Boy tomatoes are considered to be moderately heat tolerant plants. This means that they can grow and fruit in hot weather, but they may be more prone to heat stress and sunscald than other varieties. Better Boy tomatoes prefer warm weather, with an optimal temperature range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants may experience heat stress, which can slow down their growth, reduce their fruit set, and make their fruits prone to cracking and blossom end rot.

How to Grow Better Boy Tomatoes in Hot Weather

If you live in a hot and dry area, it is possible to grow Better Boy tomatoes with some precautions and care. Here are some tips to help your plants survive and thrive in hot weather:

Choose the right location: Better Boy tomatoes need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, but they also need some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Plant them in a spot that gets morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon, or provide them with some shade cloth or a trellis that can block the sun rays.

Water regularly and deeply: Tomatoes need consistent moisture to grow and prevent stress. Water your Better Boy tomatoes deeply once a week, or more often in extreme heat, to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote leaf diseases and waste water. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water at the base of the plants.

Fertilize wisely: Tomatoes need regular feeding to produce healthy foliage and ripe fruits. However, too much fertilizer can burn the plants and reduce their heat tolerance. Use a balanced tomato fertilizer or compost every 4 to 6 weeks, and follow the instructions on the package.

Mulch around the plants: Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, regulate the temperature, and prevent weed growth. Use organic mulches such as straw, hay, leaves, or grass clippings to cover the soil around your Better Boy tomatoes. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch and renew it as needed.

Prune and support the plants: Better Boy tomatoes are indeterminate plants that can grow up to 8 feet tall. Prune them to remove the suckers and lower branches that won't bear fruit, and support them with stakes, cages, or trellises. Proper pruning and support can improve air circulation, reduce disease, and make the fruits more accessible.

Watch for pests and diseases: Hot weather can attract insect pests and diseases that can damage your Better Boy tomatoes. Inspect the plants regularly for signs of aphids, whiteflies, mites, or blight, and treat them with organic insecticides or fungicides if necessary. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves or fruits promptly.

Conclusion

Better Boy tomatoes are moderately heat tolerant plants that can grow and fruit in hot weather, provided that they receive proper care and attention. By choosing a suitable location, watering deeply, fertilizing wisely, mulching, pruning, supporting, and monitoring for pests and diseases, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of juicy and tasty Better Boy tomatoes during the summer months. Enjoy!