How to Grow Blockbuster Tomato
Blockbuster Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Blockbuster'
vegetableBlockbuster is a hybrid determinate tomato variety known for its large, meaty fruit and exceptional disease resistance. It produces substantial yields of uniform, deep red tomatoes ideal for slicing and fresh market appeal. This variety was bred specifically for commercial and home garden production with strong vigor and reliable performance.
When should you plant Blockbuster Tomato in your zone?
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Example Blockbuster Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blockbuster Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blockbuster Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blockbuster Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, grown as annual in all zones with sufficient frost-free days
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing; fragile with delicate roots
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light 12-16 hours daily under grow lights; maintain 65-75°F; thin to strongest seedling per cell
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid stem and leaf development; plants growing 1-2 inches per week; developing robust root system and deeper green coloration
Harden off gradually before transplanting; maintain consistent moisture and nutrients; fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer; transplant when 6-8 inches tall with 2-3 true leaves; pinch suckers on indeterminate varieties if needed
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow flower clusters appearing along main stem; plants reaching full height; first flowers typically on lower axils
Maintain consistent watering to prevent flower drop and blossom end rot; provide phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage fruit set; ensure adequate light; temperatures 60-85°F optimal for fruit set; avoid high nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers
Fruiting & Development
4-6 weeksSmall green fruit appearing behind flowers; rapid growth to full size; fruit gradually enlarging to 8-12 oz; color darkening from light green to mature red
Continue consistent deep watering; mulch around base; support heavy fruit with cages or stakes; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium; prune excessive foliage if fruit exposed to extreme sun; monitor for diseases and pests
Maturation & Harvest
Until frost or plant declineFruits reaching full size and deep red color; glossy skin development; firm yet slightly yielding to pressure when ripe
Harvest at full color for best flavor; can pick slightly early if disease or pests threatening; continue watering consistently; fruits progressively ripen throughout season; harvest before frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitoid wasps; spinosad spray; neem oil; inspect regularly
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Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
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Increase humidity; strong water spray; miticides; predatory mites; neem oil
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Water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; reflective mulch
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Remove infected leaves; mulch soil; avoid overhead watering; chlorothalonil or copper fungicides; improve air circulation
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Remove affected plant parts; fungicide applications; improve air flow; avoid overhead watering; resistant varieties like Blockbuster
Uses
Fresh Slicing & Eating
CulinaryBlockbuster's large, meaty fruit is ideal for slicing fresh in salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Its balanced acidity and sweetness makes it a favorite for fresh eating with superior flavor compared to commercial supermarket varieties. [source]
Sauces & Preservation
CulinaryThe substantial flesh and low seed cavity make Blockbuster excellent for tomato sauces, pastes, and canning. Its disease resistance and yields make it a reliable choice for home preservation projects. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalRich in lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, tomatoes support heart health and contain compounds studied for cancer prevention. Fresh homegrown tomatoes retain more nutrients than store-bought varieties. [source]
Home Gardening & Food Security
HouseholdGrowing Blockbuster provides fresh, pesticide-free produce while reducing grocery expenses and food miles. Prolific production supplies abundance for fresh eating and preservation throughout the season. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract native bees and beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations while their blooms provide nectar sources in the garden ecosystem. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully colored and slightly soft to touch for best flavor; vine-ripened fruits peak in taste; can pick at breaker stage (first blush of color) and ripen indoors if needed; harvest before first frost; twist gently or use pruners to avoid plant damage; store at room temperature away from direct sunlight; ripe tomatoes last 5-7 days on counter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blockbuster was specifically bred for disease resistance to early and late blight, making it one of the most reliable commercial tomato varieties for challenging climates and humid regions.
- 🌱 Tomatoes have over 10,000 varieties worldwide, but determinate 'beefsteak' types like Blockbuster became popular with home gardeners because they produce heavy harvests over a concentrated period perfect for canning.
- 🌱 The tomato is technically a berry from a botanical perspective, making Blockbuster tomatoes botanically classified as berries rather than vegetables, though culinarily they're treated as vegetables.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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