Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Boxcar Willie (Organic)
80 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A tomato named for the famed Grand Ole Opry singer Boxcar Willie. The flesh is rich, sweet, and well-balanced. Uniform shape and color. Very good producer. Excellent for fresh eating, canning, juice, or sauce. 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 Organic Boxcar Willie Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
Cultivating the Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato starts with sowing seeds indoors 7-9 weeks prior to the last expected spring frost date. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in organic, well-draining soil. Once the seedlings are robust and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden or preferred growing space. Given its indeterminate growth habit, providing support such as a cage or trellis is crucial for these vine-type plants that continue to grow throughout the season.
For optimal growth, maintain organic practices with nutrient-rich soil. Regularly check for pests, and consider companion planting with basil and marigolds to deter common tomato pests naturally. Pruning the lower branches can improve airflow and minimize disease risk, promoting healthier plants. Additionally, organic compost or well-rotted manure can be applied during the growing season to enhance soil fertility.
Harvesting Organic Boxcar Willie Tomatoes
Organic Boxcar Willie Tomatoes are ready for harvest when their round and juicy fruits reach a vibrant red color and offer a delightful blend of sweetness and tartness. As an indeterminate variety, harvesting can be done continually throughout the season. Harvest by gently twisting the tomatoes off the vine or using clean pruning shears for a clean cut. The organic nature of cultivation ensures a wholesome and flavorful harvest.
About Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato Garden Seeds
The history of the Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato traces its roots to the desire for a robust and disease-resistant variety cultivated through organic practices. This heirloom tomato has evolved into a cherished choice for organic gardeners seeking both reliability and flavor.
Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato was developed with a focus on disease resistance and the ability to thrive in organic growing conditions. Its adaptability to various climates makes it well-suited for organic gardens seeking a reliable and resilient tomato variety.
With its delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, the Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato is a versatile addition to organic gardens. The emphasis on organic cultivation ensures that each fruit is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for conscientious gardeners.
While the sprawling growth habit of the Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato may present challenges in smaller containers, larger organic containers with proper support or trellising can accommodate these vines. Hanging baskets are generally not recommended due to the vigorous growth of indeterminate varieties.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Boost the organic health of your Boxcar Willie Tomato plants by incorporating a mixture of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base. This not only helps retain moisture but also enriches the soil, fostering a thriving ecosystem for your organic tomatoes. The gradual breakdown of the mulch provides a steady release of nutrients, contributing to the overall health and productivity of your organic tomato plants."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Non-GMO Organic 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. |
| Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato Color: | Red |
| Organic Boxcar Willie Tomato Flavor: | Sweet, balanced, 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 |