Boxcar Willie Tomato

Boxcar Willie Tomato is an open-pollinated, indeterminate variety that originated in New Jersey. This reliable tomato variety was named after the famous singer Boxcar Willie of the Grand Ole Opry. Tall, indeterminate plants produce heavy yields of large, 10-16 ounce tomatoes. Fruits are bright red to orange and have a rich flavor with a nice acid balance. This is consistent producer that will fruit throughout the growing season and until the first frost in many regions. Boxcar Willie is a go-to variety for canning and preserving purposes. Boxcar Willie Tomato preserves well and is a great tomato for canning sauces, soups, salsas and juices. It also is a great slicing tomato for eating fresh on salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Tomatoes are in the nightshade family along with peppers and eggplant. Plants in the nightshade family are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is a result of a calcium deficiency. To prevent or alleviate this problem, apply pelleted gypsum at the base of the plant at bloom set. Tomatoes do best when transplanted, as the germination time can be longer than most vegetable seed. They grow very well in our heavy-duty seed starting trays. Plants should be started 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date.

If conditions outside are favorable, transplants may be planted directly from our 162 cell trays. If conditions are still too cold for planting tomatoes, transplants may be “stepped-up” to 4″ pots to allow more room to grow. Tomatoes can produce heavy fruits and will require some form of support to keep the plant upright. This ensures that plants and fruits stay off the ground, reducing the possibility of disease and keeping fruits clean.

Boxcar Willie Tomato Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/4″

Seed Spacing: 2′

Row Spacing: 3-4′

Days to Maturity: 80

Disease Resistance: None