Tomato – Bonnie Best

The Bonnie Best Tomato is an old heirloom favorite known for its adaptability, especially in northern regions. It produces smooth, bright scarlet, globe-shaped fruits that are firm and meaty. This versatile tomato can be grown on the ground or staked, making it a reliable choice for various gardening styles.

Bonnie Best Tomatoes mature in approximately 66-85 days, making them a mid-season variety suitable for gardeners looking for a consistent and productive harvest.

The Bonnie Best Tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it grows continuously and produces fruit throughout the season. Its large open plant structure provides excellent yields of high-quality fruits.

To grow Bonnie Best Tomatoes, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix at 70-90°F. Germination typically occurs in 6-14 days. Once true leaves develop, transplant seedlings into 3- to 4-inch pots and provide full light at cooler temperatures of 60-70°F. Harden off the plants and transplant them outdoors in full sun, spacing them 18-30 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.

To prevent blossom end rot, add one tablespoon of lime, ground oyster shells, or crushed eggshells to the planting hole to provide calcium. Improve soil nutrients with one tablespoon each of aged compost and bone meal. Plant tall seedlings deeper to encourage root development along the stem, ensuring strong, productive plants capable of yielding smooth, bright scarlet fruits. Proper staking will support vigorous growth and prevent damage.