'San Marzano' Roma Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum

<tc>'San Marzano' Roma Tomato&nbsp;- Solanum lycopersicum</tc>
    €3,00 EUR
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    Traditional cultivation method & heirloom variety. Regionally adapted landrace. Genetically stable & open-pollinated - 100% free from hybrid breeding, GMOs, and synthetic fertilizers. Organically propagated - Non-proprietary variety.

    Local pickup at Benjis Seeds

    Pickup Instructions
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    Harvest year:

    2023

    Seed viability:

    9 years (species-specific)
    Detailed information on germination capacity

    Description

    Cultivation & Characteristics

    Tips & Reviews

    'San Marzano' Roma Tomato – legendary Italian variety for sauces and tomato paste. 

    This variety is an elongated flask- or Roma-type tomato with an exceptional fruity-aromatic flavor and firm flesh. It ripens mid-early to late and is ideally suited for cultivation in greenhouses, protected outdoor beds, and large containers. Robust, high-yielding, and perfect for self-sufficiency – an excellent choice for the organic home garden.

     

      Origin & History

    ‘San Marzano’ is an open-pollinated Roma tomato from Campania, Italy, first mentioned around 1770. According to legend, the seeds came from South America to Naples and were cultivated in the fertile volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino area – still the center of San Marzano cultivation today.

    The variety is particularly suited for making tomato paste and sauces – its firm flesh and low water content make it the ideal processing tomato. From 1926 onwards, industrial cultivation began and the variety spread worldwide.

    In 1991 it was removed from the official variety catalog, but thanks to an initiative in Campania it survived in home gardens. Today it is recognized by the EU with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status when grown in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino. Its legendary flavor makes it the “queen of sauce tomatoes” and a true enrichment for any variety garden.

     

      Appearance & Characteristics

    The plant grows indeterminately as a stake tomato and reaches a height of about 200 cm. It develops strong fruit clusters and bears robust, dark green foliage.

    Fruit details:

    • Size: Medium, approx. 80–120 g per fruit

    • Shape: Bottle-shaped, elongated oval

    • Color: Bright red, evenly colored

    • Texture: Firm, low water content, dense flesh, few seeds

    • Flavor: Legendary fruity-aromatic – intense and full-bodied

     

     Usage & Cultivation Highlights

    The fruits of the ‘San Marzano’ variety are excellent for soups, sauces, passata, and tomato paste. With their firm flesh and low water content, they are the perfect processing tomato for Italian cuisine.

    Thanks to its robustness, this tomato variety thrives reliably in protected outdoor beds, greenhouses, and large containers. The disease-tolerant plants are characterized by vigorous growth and high yields.

    Compared to other beefsteak tomatoes, ‘San Marzano’ is particularly aromatic and ideal for processing – perfect for those who appreciate robust, open-pollinated tomatoes with exceptional character and culinary tradition.

    Cultivation_Overview_-_Anbau_im_Uberblick_-_Visao_geral_do_cultivo_-_www

    Origin & Cultivation at a Glance

    First mention:

    1770 - already widespread before

    Breeder:

    Not officially known – distributed through preservation initiatives

    Origin:

    Italy

    Propagation site:

    Alentejo - Portugal

    Suitable for:

    Open field, Greenhouse, Polytunnel, Balcony / pot, Urban gardening, Vertical cultivation

    Care requirements:

    Medium – requires some attention.

    Overwintering:

    Not winter-hardy – can be cultivated outdoors as an annual. Can be overwintered in a greenhouse in mild climates.

    Suitability for cultivation and use:

    Summer crop, Peak season, Self-sufficiency, Variety conservation, Educational projects / School garden, Direct marketing, Fresh consumption
    Plant_Growing_Instructions_-_Pflanzen_Anbau-Anleitung_-_Instrucoes_de_cultivo_de_plantas_-_www

    Cultivation guide for

    <tc>San Marzano</tc>

    Growing difficulty:

    Medium
    • In subtropical climates, pre-cultivation is possible from January - transplant outdoors from March in full sun, once day and night temperatures remain consistently above 15 °C.
    • In temperate regions, start indoors from March – transplant outdoors in full sun from mid-May after the last frost.
    • Sow in deep, well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich loamy soil - 0.5-1 cm deep. Plant spacing: 50 × 70 cm.

    Special features:

    High-yielding, Resilient, Sun-loving / sunny, Heat-tolerant

    Cultivation tips:

    • Beefsteak tomatoes are typically grown with a single stem to promote better air circulation and fruit development.
    • In temperate climates, a rain cover is recommended – a simple roof or plastic tunnel is sufficient.
    • A sturdy support structure with tomato hooks provides secure hold for the stems, boosts yield, and makes plant care easier.
    • When transplanting seedlings, plant them deep into the soil up to the base of the seed leaves – this encourages strong root development and supports healthy growth.
    • Consistent watering enhances fruit quality and promotes healthy plant growth.
    • At temperatures below 5 °C, plant growth slows significantly - cold stress can hinder development.
    • Regular harvesting encourages new fruit set and increases overall yield.
    • Biochar and rock dust improve soil structure and enhance the retention of nutrients and water.

    Storage instructions:

    Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark, and airtight environment to maximize shelf life and germination.
    Detailed information on seed storage
    Plant_Profile_-_Pflanzen_Steckbrief_-_Ficha_da_planta_-_www

    Plant Profile

    Plant details

    Botanical name:

    <tc>Solanum lycopersicum L. 'San Marzano'</tc>

    Growth habit:

    Upright growth, Indeterminate growth habit

    Botanical family:

    Solanaceae

    Plant height:

    200 cm

    Plant type:

    Fruit vegetables

    Plant width:

    50 cm

    Life cycle:

    Perennial (grown as an annual)

    Root type:

    Deep-rooted, Taprooted

    Cultivation period:

    6-7 months

    Hardy to:

    5 °C – suitable only for overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse.

    Cultural meaning:

    Historical, Traditional, Regional landrace

    Propagation method:

    Generative propagation by seed, Propagation by cuttings in summer

    Propagation:

    • This tomato variety is self-pollinating but can also cross-pollinate via insects. It belongs to the species Solanum lycopersicum and produces bisexual flowers.
    • To ensure pure seed collection, it is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 10–20 meters or more from other tomato varieties, as insect pollination can lead to unintended cross-pollination.
    • This tomato plant is perennial and forms clusters of flowers after blooming, which turn into fruit packed with seeds.
    • Tomato seeds are ready for harvest when the fruits are fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

    Sowing & Planting

    Germination

    Planting

    Germination type:

    Dark germinator, Warm germinator

    Pot culture:

    Requires a minimum container size of 20-30 liters.

    Sowing depth:

    0,5-1 cm

    Plant spacing:

    50 cm

    Germination temperature:

    22-28 °C

    Row spacing:

    70 cm

    Germination time:

    6-14 days

    Row spacing for baby leaf:

    Not suitable for baby-leaf cultivation.

    Pricking out / thinning out:

    Thin out seedlings within 2 weeks after the formation of the first true leaf pairs.

    Planting time:

    Tomatoes should be planted only after the last frost, once temperatures are consistently warm during the day and night. Tomato seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors about four weeks after potting up, once temperatures are consistently warm.

    Soil

    Soil type:

    Deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in humus

    Soil pH:

    6.0-6.8 - slightly acidic to neutral

    Nutrient requirements:

    Heavy feeder

    Soil moisture:

    Evenly moist, Adaptable, Sensitive to waterlogging

    Soil preparation:

    Loosen soil deeply before sowing, Apply compost before planting., Apply lime to acidic soil., Prepare soil weed-free and with a fine crumb structure., Mulch layer for moisture regulation

    Companion planting, Crop rotation & Harvest

    Companion plants:

    Bean, Carrot, Radish varieties, Onion, Garlic, Lettuce, Lamb’s lettuce, Spinach, Basil, Nasturtium, Calendula, Dill, Marjoram, Tagetes

    Incompatible plants:

    Eggplant, Physalis, Pepper / Chili pepper, Potato, Corn, Fennel, Pea, Beetroot, Celery, Cucurbits

    Crop rotation guidelines:

    • Do not plant after other nightshades – a minimum crop rotation interval of 3 years is recommended.
    • Repeated cultivation at the same site increases disease pressure, leads to nutrient depletion, and impairs soil structure.
    • Ideal previous crops include legumes, onions, root vegetables, and green manure – rotating crops supports healthy soil.
    • Crop rotation with low-nutrient-demanding plants is recommended to prevent soil fatigue and maintain healthy growing conditions.
    • Plan a green manure crop between heavy-feeding plants and this tomato variety to restore soil fertility.
    • Avoid planting directly after heavy-feeding crops – allow the soil to recover and replenish nutrients first.

    Harvest time:

    Summer, Autumn

    Sowing to harvest:

    5-7 months

    Harvested parts:

    Fruits

    Suitable for consumption:

    Yes - edible raw or cooked.

    Intended use:

    Diet cuisine, Low Carb, Natural garden, Raw consumption, Salad, Juice / juicing, To purée, Cooking, Roasting, Baking, Grilling, Pickling, Preserving, Drying / Dehydrating, Freezing, Stuffing

    Care & Cultivation practices

    Water requirements:

    High

    Plant care techniques:

    Water regularly - even during dry periods, Fertilize, Removing side shoots, Create a climbing support, Maintain weed-free, Inspect regularly for pest infestation

    Plant protection:

    Well-ventilated location and good drainage recommended., Mulching recommended

    Cultivation notes:

    May develop mildew in damp weather – an airy location is recommended. Sensitive to waterlogging – use well-drained soil.

    Other names

    EN - English names:

    • Beefsteak tomato

    DE - German names:

    • Roma-Tomate • Flaschentomate • Fleischtomate

    PT - Portuguese names:

    • Tomate carnudo

    ES - Spanish names:

    • Tomate carnoso

    FR - French names:

    • Tomate charnue
    Practical_Planting_and_Care_Tips_-_Praktische_Aussaat-_und_Pflegetipps_-_Dicas_praticas_de_sementeira_e_cuidados_-_www

    Practical sowing and care tips

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