Big Boy
Planting Schedule
Sink your spoon into Big Boy’s lush, meaty flesh—rich, classic tomato flavor with a sweet, garden-ripe perfume and a juicy, velvety bite. This beefsteak standout forms large, globe-to-slightly-flattened fruits with a smooth, satin skin and substantial interior chambers that hold their character for bold slices. Grow Big Boy for showy summer harvests that shine in fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and thick, spoonable sauces that capture its full-bodied taste.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Feb 11th |
| Last Frost | Apr 1st |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 27th |
| Harvest Begins | Aug 25th |
| Harvest Ends | Nov 5th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 90 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Determinate |
| Support Needed | Cage |
| Planting Depth | Deep |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 75 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 10 |
Today's Conditions
Outdoor planting for Big Boy in Zone 8a typically begins around 2026-05-27. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Big Boy.
Garden Alerts
In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around April 01. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Big Boy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Boy tomato: what should I do about early blight?
How often should I water Big Boy tomatoes during peak growth (after flowering begins)?
How can I tell when Big Boy tomatoes are ready to harvest?
Sink your spoon into Big Boy’s lush, meaty flesh—rich, classic tomato flavor with a sweet, garden-ripe perfume and a juicy, velvety bite. This beefsteak standout forms large, globe-to-slightly-flattened fruits with a smooth, satin skin and substantial interior chambers that hold their character for bold slices. Grow Big Boy for showy summer harvests that shine in fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and thick, spoonable sauces that capture its full-bodied taste.
Today's Conditions
Outdoor planting for Big Boy in Zone 8a typically begins around 2026-05-27. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Big Boy.
Garden Alerts
In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around April 01. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Big Boy.
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
Start indoors about 7 weeks before your average last spring frost, then transplant only once soil is reliably warm (≥60°F) to avoid cold-stunting.