Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Boxcar Willie
80 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Boxcar Willie Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This variety is known for being crack-free and disease-resistant. Resistant to Disorders. Plant yields bunches of round red juicy fruit, ranging from 12 to 18 ounces in size. Approx. 6,800 seeds/ounce.
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Growing Boxcar Willie Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To cultivate the robust and disease-resistant Boxcar Willie Tomato, initiate the planting process by starting seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Transplant the seedlings into your garden or preferred growing space once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are robust. Considering its indeterminate growth habit, providing support such as a cage or trellis is essential for these vine-type plants that continue to grow throughout the season.
For optimal growth, maintain a well-draining, loose soil with a pH between 6.2 to 6.8, ensuring it retains moisture. Boxcar Willie is known for being crack-free and disease-resistant, but regular monitoring for common pests such as tomato hornworms and diseases like blossom end rot is recommended. Companion planting with basil and marigolds can naturally deter pests. Additionally, ensuring a balanced nutrient profile with adequate phosphorus and potassium will promote fruiting over excessive foliage.
Harvesting Boxcar Willie Tomatoes
Determine the readiness of Boxcar Willie Tomatoes by observing their round and juicy fruits, typically ranging from 12 to 18 ounces in size. As an indeterminate variety, you can harvest continually throughout the season. Harvest when the tomatoes reach a vibrant red color and have a sweet yet somewhat tart flavor. Gently twist the tomatoes off the vine or use clean pruning shears for a clean cut. With a maturity period of 70 to 80 days from transplant, these tomatoes are mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones.
About Boxcar Willie Tomato Garden Seeds
Boxcar Willie Tomato, a beloved heirloom variety, has a rich history rooted in its reputation for being both disease-resistant and crack-free. This tomato has been cherished for its consistent performance and delicious fruit, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Boxcar Willie Tomato was developed with a focus on disease resistance and crack-free fruit. Its adaptability to various climates makes it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and robust tomato variety.
With a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, Boxcar Willie Tomatoes are perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches and salads. Their resistance to common disorders and diseases makes them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance, high-yield tomatoes.
While typically recommended for greenhouse, garden plot, and raised bed cultivation, creative staking or trellising techniques may allow for Boxcar Willie Tomatoes to thrive in larger containers. However, hanging baskets are not recommended due to their sprawling growth habit.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Enhance the flavor and sweetness of Boxcar Willie Tomatoes by incorporating a light layer of organic compost around the base of the plants during the growing season. This simple addition not only enriches the soil but also contributes to the overall taste and health of your tomatoes, ensuring a bountiful and delicious harvest."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Boxcar Willie Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 108,800 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 544,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Boxcar Willie Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) |
| Tomato Type: | Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. |
| Boxcar Willie Tomato Color: | Red |
| Boxcar Willie Tomato Flavor: | Sweet and somewhat tart |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 80 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 60-72 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F) |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
| Plant Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Spread: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Resistant to Disorders. Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
| Tomato Use: | Slicing, sandwiches, and salads |