TOMATO - ROMA

 Organic Tomato Roma

        10 Seeds Pack   

Roma tomatoes, developed in 1955, are a hybrid variety bred for their shape, durability, and resistance to common tomato diseases. Believed to be a cross between the Pan American tomato and San Marzano a beloved paste tomato brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants Roma tomatoes quickly gained popularity for their adaptability and reliable performance. They thrive across the United States and are particularly resilient in cool, wet climates. However, to avoid stress, it is essential to plant them outdoors only after the final frost, as cold soil and air temperatures can hinder their growth.

Roma tomatoes have a distinctive elongated, egg-like shape and grow to about three inches in length. Their smooth, thick, bright red skin encases dense, meaty flesh with few seeds, high sugar and acid levels, and minimal moisture, making them ideal for cooking into sauces, pastes, and other culinary creations. The variety’s low moisture content ensures a rich, concentrated flavour when cooked down. The determinate Roma plants typically grow to an average height of four to six feet. As determinate plants, they produce a single, large crop of fruits that ripen uniformly toward the end of the growing season. This characteristic makes them particularly convenient for harvesting and processing in bulk. With their combination of durability, flavour, and disease resistance, Roma tomatoes remain a go-to choice for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

                                                                                                                PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them. 

Tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prepare the soil 2-3 weeks before planting by digging it over and incorporating plenty of organic matter to enrich it. Tomatoes also grow well in grow bags or large pots, provided they are watered and fed regularly. For container planting, a mix of half potting compost and half soil-based loam works best, offering both nutrients and stability.

To sow tomatoes, start from late January to April by planting seeds 3 mm (1/8 in) deep in small pots filled with seed-starting compost. Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5–10 days at temperatures of 21–27°C (70–80°F). Once the seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location with slightly cooler temperatures (16–21°C or 60–70°F), such as a south-facing window.

When the seedlings develop their first true leaves and before they become root-bound, transplant them into larger 10 cm (4 in) pots. Protect the young plants from frost and sunburn using cloches or makeshift greenhouses like large plastic jugs with the bottoms removed. If necessary, fertilize sparingly with a weak dilution. Once the plants reach 15 cm (6 in) in height, harden them off over 10-15 days before transplanting them to their final position outdoors.

Plant fragrant companions like basil, garlic, or onions near tomatoes to mask their scent and deter pests. Avoid planting them near Brassicaceae family members or in soil previously used for tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants to reduce disease risks.