Tomato Plants - Roma

Roma is highly prized for its use in tomato paste and sauces, boasting a plentiful yield of thick, meaty, egg-shaped, and bright red tomatoes that average 3 inches in length. With fewer seeds and a thicker, drier flesh, Roma is not meant for slicing, but rather for cooking into a rich and flavorful sauce. Its flavor is further intensified by cooking.

A top choice for canning, making spaghetti sauce, or adding to omelets, Roma is less juicy compared to slicing tomatoes when cooked. The fruit also freezes well for future use. The compact, disease-resistant vines are well-suited for the entire US. 

Roma tomatoes are perfect for sauces and canning, with lower moisture content and fewer seeds. Their thick walls, firm flesh, and elongated shape make them ideal for cooking down. Available in red and other colors, Roma tomatoes are usually only 3 inches long.

• Plant in any US Zone – works in containers; small spaces, balconies, patios or large gardens. Treat as a tender annual in Zones 9 and colder.
• Season long harvest – this indeterminate variety produces tomatoes until frost.
• Growing Requirements – requires full sun, average water and fertilization, benefits from caging or staking.

When to Plant

The planting time depends on your local climate but the overall rule is to wait to plant until after the last spring frost. The plants, and especially young seedlings, are frost-sensitive. Planting them too early even if there is no more frost can be risky. Pay attention also to cold weather spells, which may not kill the plant, but they can stunt its growth and damage the flower buds or flowers.

Taking your time to properly harden off the seedlings is crucial for a successful tomato season. 

Light

Tomatoes need lots of light during their entire life cycle, starting with the seedlings. When you start tomato plants indoors, you need a large, south-facing window, a greenhouse, or grow lights to produce healthy tomato seedlings.

The plants need full sun, which means a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Anything less will result in leggy plants and poor fruit.

Soil

Tomatoes grow best in deep, loamy, well-drained, rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH between 6.2 and 6.8). Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter.

For yards with heavy clay soil, it is best to grow tomatoes in raised beds filled with suitable soil.

Water

Ensure your Tomato Plants - Roma remain well-watered throughout the growing season by regularly monitoring soil moisture levels. In times of drought, provide at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out, as this can cause the plants to wilt quickly. Water deeply and slowly, taking care to avoid wetting the foliage, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases like blight.

Temperature and Humidity

Romas need warm temperatures, so if you live in a cold climate with a short growing season, pick the quickest maturing varieties. In the spring, delay planting until nighttime temperatures reach at least 60 degrees. 

Tomatoes will withstand humid conditions but high humidity fosters the spread of diseases, especially if there is a lack of air circulation within the plant, and between plants.

Fertilizer

When planting tomato plants, the condition of the soil is an important factor in fertilization. At the time of planting, add 2 tablespoons of a high-phosphorus granular fertilizer, such as 5-10-5, to the soil around each plant. There are various methods for fertilizing during the growing season, and recommended NPK ratios can differ. Generally, midseason fertilization should be low in nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth. In hot climates with a long growing season, a third fertilization may be necessary in late summer, but in most climates, two applications should suffice if the soil is rich in organic matter.