Tomato Seeds, Bonny Best
Whole, sliced and cut Bonnie Best Tomatoes on a cutting board with some in a jar.
Sliced and whole Bonny Best Tomatoes with a red handled knife on a white background.
Three whole Bonny Best Tomatoes stacked on a white background.
A farmer holds three Bonny Best Tomatoes against tomato foliage at the Baker Creek trial farm.
Tomato Seeds, Bonny Best
Whole, sliced and cut Bonnie Best Tomatoes on a cutting board with some in a jar.
Sliced and whole Bonny Best Tomatoes with a red handled knife on a white background.
Three whole Bonny Best Tomatoes stacked on a white background.
A farmer holds three Bonny Best Tomatoes against tomato foliage at the Baker Creek trial farm.

Tomato Seeds,
Bonny Best

4.137 ReviewsSKU: #TM181
Price
Regular price $3.00
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Min. 25 seeds

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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). This famous old canning tomato was selected out of Chalk’s Early Jewel by George W. Middleton and introduced in 1908 by Walter P. Stokes seed house. It became one of the most respected canning varieties in America in the first half of the 20th century. Medium-sized fruit is round, red, meaty, and loaded with flavor. A good producer that makes a fine slicer too. Becoming hard to find due to modern, flavorless hybrids.

Growing Tips: Plant in a sunny location that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Water deeply once or twice weekly, ensuring even moisture levels to prevent stress.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
75
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before your region's last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and temperatures reach at least 60°F. Check your local area’s frost dates for a specific planting time. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed trays filled with quality seed-starting mix. During germination keep the soil temperatures between 70-80 F. Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, harden them off for 7-10 days before transplanting. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart.

How to Grow

Water deeply and consistently to prevent fruit cracking and maintain healthy growth. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Prune the lower leaves and suckers to encourage airflow and focus the plant’s energy on fruit development.

How to Save Seeds

  • Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
  • On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
  • For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
  • Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How long does it take for Bonny Best tomatoes to mature?

Typically about 70-80 days from transplanting under ideal conditions. A steady harvest will continue throughout the growing season.

Can Bonny Best tomatoes be grown in containers?

Yes, but choose a large container and provide sturdy support for optimal growth.

How does Bonny Best handle common tomato diseases?

It has moderate disease resistance, but proper care, including pruning and spacing, helps prevent common issues like blight.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 37 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Plants load up with fruit and keep going until frost.

  • Uniform fruit: Medium, round, blemish-free tomatoes, nearly all the same size.

  • Canning staple: Meaty with small seed cavities; a favorite for sauce and jars.

  • Early to ripen: Often the first tomato in the garden to set and color up.

  • Heads up: Taste is classic, not fancy; a few growers got little fruit.

More to grow!
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