Solanum lycopersicum ( Roma ) tomato is a an open pollinated, determinate, variety of tomato. The fruit is red & elongated. Most people know this variety well as it has become highly produced commercially and is one of the few varieties always available at supermarkets. Its popularity is due to its firm skin, great flavour & multi use qualities. Commonly used as a salad tomato, the Roma is also good for cooking, sun drying, pastes, sauces and canning.
The Roma Tomato was developed in 1955 in Maryland, US. It was bred by open pollination with the aim of breeding a variety that was fusarium wilt-resistant, the result after improvement was a variety that was bot verticillium & fusarium wilt-resistant. The full name of the Roma Tomato is ‘Roma VF’, due to the resistance to both prior mentioned fungi.
Suitable for pots & small gardens.
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Growth
The Roma Tomato plant is a smaller growing, heavy fruiting, determinate plant reaching up to around 1m (3 feet) high and 60cm (2) feet in width. This variety is suitable for growing in pots, containers, and smaller gardens.
Although this variety is determinate and smaller growing, tomato plants can still benefit from some support if the branches need it. Supporting tomato plants will increase air circulation & sunlight to branches, while also assisting with disease and pest reduction; you will get a healthier, more bountiful crop this way.
Roma tomato plants can produce fruit in as little as 60-80 days from transplant. The red fruit averages in size from 50-90mm (2-4 inches) in length.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
All climates
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well drained, compost rich, loamy, or sandy.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Will tolerate some afternoon shade but full sun for at least 8 hours a day preferred,
HEIGHT:
1.0 metres (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60 centimetres (2. feet)
pH:
6.0-6.7
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, determinate, bush.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-pollinating. Bees and insects can help.
MATURITY:
85-110 days from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
88-93%
GERMINATION TIME:
9-14 days in ideal temperatures.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy in the right climate.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 370
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (Roma Tomato)
Roma tomatoes varieties, which some call ‘Plum Tomatoes’ have less seeds and a lower moisture content than most other tomato varieties.
The foliage of tomato plants can be toxic to humans and some pets.
Tomatoes are full of nutritional goodness like Vitamin C, K1, Potassium, Folate & Beta Carotene. For more information about tomatoes and your health, click here.
