Butter Boy tomatoes are a popular hybrid variety, known for their generous size, mild flavor, and consistent production. These large beefsteak tomatoes are a rewarding addition to home gardens, suitable for various culinary uses, especially fresh eating.
Understanding Butter Boy Tomatoes
Butter Boy tomatoes are classified as indeterminate hybrid beefsteak tomatoes. This means they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. The fruit typically reaches a significant size, often weighing a pound or more, making them true beefsteak varieties.
When ripe, Butter Boy tomatoes display a pale yellow to light orange-yellow hue, giving them their “buttery” name. They have a round, slightly flattened shape and smooth skin. Their flavor is distinctly mild with low acidity and subtle sweetness, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a less tart tomato. This delicate flavor makes them versatile for slicing and fresh applications.
Cultivating Butter Boy Tomatoes
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Butter Boy tomatoes thrive in locations receiving ample sunlight, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
The soil for Butter Boy tomatoes should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH range for tomatoes is slightly acidic to neutral, typically between 6.2 and 6.8. Before planting, amend the soil by incorporating a generous layer of compost or aged manure, mixing it thoroughly to a depth of at least 12 inches. This practice improves soil fertility and structure, supporting robust root development.
Planting Techniques
Planting Butter Boy tomato seedlings should occur after the last frost has passed in your region, when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. When transplanting, bury a portion of the stem. Dig a hole deep enough to cover two-thirds of the plant, as tomatoes can develop roots along the buried stem, leading to a stronger root system. Space plants appropriately, typically 24 to 36 inches apart, to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
Watering Needs
Consistent watering is important for Butter Boy tomatoes, especially once they begin flowering and setting fruit. They generally require one to two inches of water per week, from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth and minimize foliage wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Watering frequency varies by soil type and climate; sandy soils may need watering three to four times per week, while clay soils retain moisture longer and may only need watering once a week.
Fertilization
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from consistent fertilization. At planting, a water-soluble fertilizer with higher phosphorus supports new tissue development. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 or 10-10-10) every four to six weeks. Alternatively, use a nitrogen-rich fish emulsion every two weeks, and blood meal every six weeks. Once fruit develops, a fertilizer with a higher potassium and phosphorus ratio supports production.
Staking and Support
Due to their indeterminate growth and large fruit, Butter Boy tomato plants require strong support. Sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises prevent sprawling and support the heavy fruit load. For single staking, drive an 8-foot stake 12 to 24 inches into the ground, about 5 inches from the plant. As the plant grows, tie the main stem loosely to the support every 6 to 8 inches using soft ties.
Pruning for Better Yield
Strategic pruning improves air circulation, reduces disease risk, and directs the plant’s energy towards fruit production. For indeterminate varieties like Butter Boy, removing suckers—shoots growing in the angle between the main stem and a leaf stem—is common. Pinching off small suckers helps the plant focus energy on the main stem and developing fruit. Removing lower leaves that touch the soil also prevents soil-borne diseases from splashing onto foliage. Pruning should be done on dry days to minimize disease spread.
Harvesting and Enjoying Butter Boy Tomatoes
Butter Boy tomatoes are ready for harvest when they develop their characteristic pale yellow to light orange-yellow color and feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Harvesting occurs once the fruit reaches full size and the color deepens. Picking tomatoes regularly encourages more fruit production. When harvesting, gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to prolong freshness. Their mild, low-acid flavor and meaty texture make Butter Boy tomatoes exceptional for slicing onto sandwiches, adding to salads, or enjoying fresh as a snack. They are also suitable for mild sauces or salsas where a less acidic tomato is preferred.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tomato plants, including Butter Boy, can encounter pests and diseases. Common pests include tomato hornworms and aphids. Tomato hornworms are large green caterpillars that rapidly defoliate plants; hand-pick them or treat with organic insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when small. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth; dislodge them with a strong water spray or control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases like blight and blossom end rot can also affect plants. Blight, a fungal disease, appears as spots on leaves, stems, and sometimes fruit, often starting on lower leaves. Good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning, along with watering at soil level, helps prevent its spread. If blight is identified, remove affected leaves promptly. Blossom end rot, a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit, is often caused by inconsistent watering or a calcium deficiency. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and ensuring adequate calcium availability mitigates this issue.