If you’re planning your summer garden, one of the first questions you might have is, how tall do Better Boy tomatoes grow? Understanding their potential size is key to giving them the space and support they need to thrive. This popular hybrid is a favorite for a reason, and with the right care, it can be a prolific producer in your backyard.
Better Boy tomatoes are an indeterminate variety, which means they keep growing and producing fruit until the first frost knocks them out. They aren’t the kind of plant you can just tuck into a small corner. To get the best harvest, you need to plan for their impressive vertical reach.
How Tall Do Better Boy Tomatoes Grow
So, let’s get to the specific numbers. In ideal conditions, a healthy Better Boy tomato plant typically reaches a height of 5 to 8 feet tall. Some gardeners, in perfect climates with a long growing season, have even reported plants stretching to 10 feet or more.
This isn’t a guess; it’s their natural growth habit. They have a single, main vine that continues to lengthen. If you don’t provide support, they will sprawl everywhere, taking up a huge amount of ground space and making the fruit susceptible to pests and disease. Knowing this height upfront helps you choose the right spot and the right stakes or cages.
What Influences Their Final Height?
Several factors determine whether your Better Boy hits the 5-foot mark or soars past 8. It’s not just about planting them and hoping for the best.
- Growing Season Length: More warm days equal more growth. A short summer will limit height.
- Sunlight: They demand full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Less sun means weaker, leggier growth.
- Soil Quality & Nutrition: Rich, well-draining soil and consistent feeding fuel their expansion.
- Watering Consistency: Deep, regular watering prevents stress that can stunt growth.
- Pruning Practices: How you manage the suckers directly controls the plant’s size and shape.
Step-by-Step: Supporting Your Tall Better Boy Plants
Because of their height, proper support isn’t optional; it’s essential. Here’s how to set them up for success from the start.
1. Choose Your Support System Early
Install supports at planting time to avoid damaging roots later. Your main options are:
- Heavy-Duty Stakes: Use 6- to 8-foot tall wooden or metal stakes. Drive them at least 1 foot into the ground.
- Strong Cages: Commercial tomato cages are often too flimsy. Use reinforced concrete wire cages or build your own from sturdy fencing.
- Trellis System: A Florida weave or a panel trellis works great for multiple plants in a row.
2. Planting for Stability
When you transplant your seedling, dig a deep hole. Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. The buried stem will grow additional roots, creating a stronger, more stable anchor for the tall plant to come.
3. Tying and Training the Main Stem
As the plant grows, loosely tie the main stem to your support every 12 to 18 inches. Use soft cloth strips, garden twine, or tomato clips. Don’t tie it too tight—allow for some stem thickening.
Pruning for Health and Manageable Growth
Pruning helps control size, improves air circulation, and directs energy to fruit production. For indeterminate tomatoes like Better Boy, it’s a key practice.
- Identify the Suckers: These are the small shoots that grow in the “V” between the main stem and a branch.
- Decide on a Pruning Method:
- Single-Stem: Remove all suckers. The plant grows very tall but is narrow, excellent for tight spaces.
- Double-Stem: Allow one strong sucker near the base to grow alongside the main stem. This creates a bushier, slightly shorter plant.
- Prune Regularly: Check for suckers once a week. Pinch them off when they’re small (under 3 inches) with your fingers.
Remember, never prune off the flowering branches, as that’s where your fruit forms. And always use clean shears for any larger cuts to prevent spreading disease.
Feeding and Watering for Optimal Growth
A plant this size has a big appetite. Consistent nutrition and moisture are non-negotiable.
Watering Deeply
Aim for 1 to 2 inches of water per week, delivered slowly at the soil level. Soaker hoses are ideal. Deep watering encourages deep roots, which stabilizes your tall plant and helps it access water during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizing Schedule
- At Planting: Mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost into the soil.
- Early Growth: A fertilizer with higher nitrogen can support initial vine and leaf development.
- At Flowering & Fruiting: Switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium (like a 5-10-10 blend) to encourage blooms and fruit instead of just more leaves.
Follow package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant and reduce your yeild.
Common Problems for Tall Tomato Plants
Big plants can face specific challenges. Here’s what to watch for.
- Wind Damage: A top-heavy 7-foot plant is vulnerable. Ensure your support is deeply anchored and check ties after storms.
- Blossom End Rot: This isn’t a disease but a calcium issue caused by uneven watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent it.
- Sunscald: Over-pruning can expose developing fruit to too much direct sun, causing yellow or white patches. Leave enough foliage to provide light shade for the tomatoes.
Harvesting From Your Giant Plant
Your Better Boy will start producing medium-to-large fruit about 70 to 75 days after transplanting. The fruit ripens from the bottom of the plant upward. Use a gentle twist or garden shears to harvest when the tomato is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Don’t yank it off, as you might damage the delicate branch.
With good care, a single Better Boy plant can produce over 30 pounds of fruit through the season. That’s a fantastic return for managing its impressive height.
FAQ: Your Better Boy Tomato Questions
How much space do Better Boy tomatoes need?
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in rows that are at least 4 feet apart. This gives their roots room and allows for good air flow between the tall plants.
Can I grow Better Boy in a container?
Yes, but choose a very large pot—at least 20 inches in diameter and depth. Use high-quality potting mix and be extra vigilant with watering and feeding, as containers dry out faster. The plant may not reach its full 8-foot potential but can still do well.
What’s the difference between Better Boy and Big Boy tomatoes?
Better Boy is actually an improved hybrid descendant of Big Boy. It was bred for better disease resistance (specifically to verticillium and fusarium wilts) and is known for its consistently reliable, high production.
When should I stop pruning my Better Boy?
About 4 to 6 weeks before your area’s first expected fall frost, pinch off the growing tip of the main stem. This tells the plant to stop putting energy into new growth and instead ripen the existing fruit.
Planning for the full height of your Better Boy tomatoes from the beginning is the secret to a stress-free and abundant harvest. By providing strong support, consistent care, and a little strategic pruning, you can manage these garden giants and enjoy their delicious fruit all summer long.