Since the late ’90s, the vs battle between Big Beef and Better Boy Tomato has ever been raging on. So it is nothing new if you are also confused about which to choose.
But that is not all! Thus, read on to uncover everything between Big Beef vs Better Boy so you know which favors you the most.
Table of Contents Show
Plant Overview: Big Beef & Better Boy
Hybrid cultivars of Beefsteak Tomato, Big Beef and Better Boy are annual vegetables with relatively higher yields.
They are indeterminate Tomatoes, meaning they will not stop producing vining shoots even after flowering.
They belong to the Nightshade family and are a prevalent variety of Tomatoes for their large, meaty fruit.
Unlike bush Tomatoes, the vines of these Tomatoes require support, be it trellises or Tomato cages, to prevent any soil-borne diseases.
That said, both cultivars bear a higher level of disease resistance than regular Tomato varieties.
Big Beef Tomato Vs Better Boy
Despite having the Beefsteak Tomato as a parent cultivar, Big Beef and Better Boy have major differences.
The development of the Better Boy Tomato dates back to the earlier 60s period. Meanwhile, Big Beef made quite a name in Mexico in 1994.
Now, without further dilly-dallying, let us fill up the vs table of Big Beef Tomato and Better Boy with some distinct traits.
| Characteristics | Big Beef Tomato | Better Boy Tomato |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Beef' | Solanum lycopersicum 'Better Boy' |
| Growth Pattern | Indeterminate | Indeterminate |
| Fruit Size | Large fruits of diameter 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) | Medium sized fruits of 1-2 inches (3-6 cm) |
| Texture | Firm, Meaty | Soft |
| Plant Growth | 5-8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m) tall | 5-7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) tall |
| Yield | High | Moderate |
| Disease Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Harvest Time | 72-75 days | 70-75 days |
| USDA | 3 to 11 | 3 to 11 |
Let us dive deeper into the Big Beef Tomato vs Better Boy, shall we?
1. Growth Habit
Big Beef hybrid grows relatively bigger than Better Boy, with vines growing over 5-8 feet long and two feet or 24″ wide.
Meanwhile, Better Boy Tomato reaches a mature height of 5-8 feet tall and 2-3 feet or 24-36″ wide.
But in terms of growth rate, both hybrid cultivars have faster growth and attain maturity within 70-80 days.
2. Flavor & Sweetness
The main difference or Vs factor between Big Beef and Better Boy is the taste and flavor they bring to the table.
Big Beef is famous for its old-fashioned, retro Tomato flavor, a rich combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Meanwhile, Better Boy offers a rich, tangy classic Tomato flavor with a delicate balance of sweetness and sourness.
Furthermore, Big Beef fruits are bigger, meatier and firmer, while Better Boy fruits are more juicier with a soft texture.
3. Disease Resistance
As for disease resistance, Big Beef is resistant to more common Tomato diseases than Better Boy.
Better Boy effectively resists diseases like Anthracnose, Nematodes, Verticillium and Fusarium wilt.
But in addition, Big Beef Tomatoes are also resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Alternaria Stem Canker and gray leaf spots.
Thus, Big Beef Tomato wins the vs race with Better Boy regarding disease tolerance.
4. Yield & Harvest
In correspondence to bigger plant size, Big Beef produces larger yields with bigger fruits weighing about 230 to 350 grams.
On the other hand, Big Beed has been the All-America Selection Winner for over 19 years straight.
Nonetheless, both Tomato hybrids produce larger yields and demand rigid support to sustain their stature.
Editor’s Note
Caring Big Beef & Better Boy!
Both F1-type hybrids, best for sauces and canning, thrive in 6-8 hours of bright sunlight, well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy soil.
For an ideal harvest, wait for the Tomatoes to unleash their full size, and once they add deep red skin, proceed to harvest.
All The Best!
