SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Lemon Boy

Tomato
Botanical illustration of Lemon Boy
🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Sunlit and unforgettable, Lemon Boy tomatoes ripen to a warm, golden-yellow glow with a gentle, citrus-bright flavor and a juicy,…

Planting Schedule

Add Lemon Boy to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 25th
Last FrostMay 13th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJul 8th
Harvest BeginsOct 1st
Harvest EndsSep 27th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity85
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitIndeterminate
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthDeep
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Frequently Asked Questions


What disease is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (Lemon Boy tomato), and how do I manage it?
A major problem is early blight (Alternaria), which shows as brown, target-like spots that often start on lower leaves and spread upward. Remove and dispose of infected leaves, keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, and apply a labeled protective fungicide as soon as symptoms appear, repeating per the label. Improve airflow by pruning for open canopy and spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet after rain or irrigation.
How often should I water Lemon Boy tomatoes during the main growing phase?
During active fruiting, keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than light daily watering, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely because tomatoes like this can crack and suffer blossom-end rot. Aim for consistent moisture—mulch around the plant helps stabilize soil moisture.
How can I tell when Lemon Boy (Solanum lycopersicum) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the fruit is fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch at the stem end, and the tomato separates easily when gently twisted. Letting it stay on the vine until it’s uniformly colored reduces bitterness and improves sweetness. If you see green shoulders, give it a few more days in warm sun until it finishes ripening.
Botanical illustration of Lemon Boy

Sunlit and unforgettable, Lemon Boy tomatoes ripen to a warm, golden-yellow glow with a gentle, citrus-bright flavor and a juicy, tender bite. Their smooth, slicing-ready flesh is pleasantly firm yet succulent, making each slice gleam with a clean, sweet-tang balance. Grow Lemon Boy for vibrant summer platters and elegant sauces where their sunny color and mellow brightness truly shine.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Grow Lemon Boy in full sun and transplant only when soil is reliably warm (60°F+) to prevent cold-stunting.