Big Beef: A Must-Have Hybrid Tomato for Professional and Home Gardeners
Modern hybrids are nothing to scoff at, as they have many benefits that make them a great choice for professional growers. Big Beef tomatoes are one such hybrid variety that stands out for its production of decent-sized tomatoes. These tomatoes can be baseball-sized or even bigger, making them an ideal choice for those looking to get the most bang for their buck in terms of size and yield.
Big Beef plants look great when grown properly, and they set so well that it's hard not to be impressed with what you can get from just one plant. The upper two thirds of the plant will usually be loaded with tomatoes, while the lower third is no slouch either. Even though cherry tomatoes may produce more individual tomatoes, Big Beefs offer up larger sizes that are perfect for pizza sauce and soup.
Many gardeners opt to grow about six Big Beef plants per season, as this yields enough tomatoes to free up space for experimenting with other types. Not only do these plants produce large amounts of tomatoes, but they also have good flavor despite being a hybrid variety. This makes them a great choice for those who don't want to sacrifice taste in favor of quantity.
When it comes to disease resistance, Mountain Gem is another hybrid variety created by Dr. Gardner from NCSU that has been proven to match Big Beef in terms of size and productivity. It also offers more disease tolerance than Big Beef, along with slightly better flavor. Although Mountain Gem hasn't replaced Big Beef yet, it definitely deserves a spot right next to it in the garden each year.
Grafting is often used to save tomato growing in areas where fusarium wilt is especially bad. However, some people still choose to try Big Beef again as an early tomato due to its impressive productivity before fusarium eventually gets it. If you live further north then you should definitely give this hybrid a go!
Unfortunately, some folks have had bad luck with Big Beef due to getting the wrong variety or having on the verge of being a spitter. After giving away heirlooms/OPs for many years, locals now ask for "good" tomatoes and complain if they don't get them. Some gardeners have even rouged out Big Beef entirely because of fears that diseases could spread all over the garden.
Overall, Big Beef remains a popular hybrid variety that has earned its place among professional growers and home gardeners alike thanks to its impressive size and yield. If you're looking for something reliable that won't let you down in terms of quality or quantity, then Big Beef is definitely worth considering!
What are the benefits of growing Big Beef tomatoes?
Big Beef tomatoes are a modern hybrid variety that is popular among professional growers due to its high production and decent-sized tomatoes. It is suitable for many tastes and purposes, and can produce baseball-sized or even bigger tomatoes.
Are there any other hybrid varieties that can match Big Beef for size and productivity?
Yes, Mountain Gem is a relatively new hybrid variety created by Dr. Gardner from NCSU which has more disease tolerance (TSWV and late blight) and slightly better flavor than Big Beef.
How many Big Beef plants should I plant?
Generally, 6 Big Beef plants are enough to get a good yield of tomatoes. This allows you to experiment with other types in your garden.
What should I do if my Big Beef plants express diseases?
If your Big Beef plants express diseases, it is best to remove them from your garden to prevent the spread of maladies. You may also consider grafting your tomato plants as this can help protect them against fusarium wilt and nematodes.
Is it possible to grow Big Beef tomatoes further north?
It is possible to grow Big Beef tomatoes further north, but success may vary depending on the weather conditions. It is best to start the plants indoors and then transplant them outdoors when the weather is warm enough.
What type of soil should I use for Big Beef tomatoes?
Big Beef tomatoes prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil can help improve its fertility and structure.
How often should I water my Big Beef plants?
Big Beef plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Make sure to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
What kind of fertilizer should I use for Big Beef tomatoes?
A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 is recommended for Big Beef tomatoes. You may also consider using an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract.
How long does it take for Big Beef tomatoes to mature?
Big Beef tomatoes usually take around 70 days from planting to harvest. However, this may vary depending on the weather conditions and other factors.