Solanum lycopersicum 'Box Car Willie'
vegetableAn old-fashioned American beefsteak heirloom producing large round red fruits averaging 12 to 16 oz with a classic balanced sweet-tart flavor. Named for the country singer Box Car Willie of the Grand Ole Opry, this tomato is prized for dependable productivity and genuine tomato flavor without the fussiness of some show heirlooms.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~80 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
30-36 in
Planting Depth
Bury stem 2/3 deep
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; side-dress with compost at first flower; foliar feed monthly through harvest
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 at transplant; switch to low-nitrogen tomato formula once fruiting
Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after nights stay above 50 F, burying the stem two-thirds deep for a robust root system. Provide a sturdy cage or stake early. Fruits are weighty. Water deeply and consistently. Remove lower suckers for better airflow. Full sun and warm nights are essential for classic red flavor development.
Start seeds indoors
Mar 4
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 18
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect at dusk; handpick or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis
Mulch to prevent soil splash; remove lower leaves as season progresses; copper spray
Water blast; introduce ladybugs; insecticidal soap if colonies persist
Consistent watering and calcium-containing fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen
Harvest when fruits are fully red, firm but yielding slightly to pressure, and the skin has a slight sheen. Classic beefsteaks show their best flavor at room temperature within a day of harvest. Twist gently off the vine or use shears. Best eaten fresh. Large beefsteaks do not preserve well.
Rich in lycopene, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Classic red beefsteaks have among the highest lycopene content of any tomato type. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced cardiovascular and cancer risk.
Eat the ripe fruit only. Tomato leaves and stems (and large amounts of very unripe green fruit) contain solanine-type compounds and are not for eating.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.