Unfoil

Roma Tomato (Paste)

Solanum lycopersicum

Overview

Ripe red Roma tomatoes on the vine

The Non-Negotiable Sauce Tomato

The Roma tomato is not known for its salad appeal or juicy burst; it’s beloved for its purpose: preservation. This unassuming, egg-shaped fruit is the undisputed workhorse of the home cannery. Unlike slicers, Romas possess thick, meaty walls, a remarkably low seed count, and dense flesh that contains minimal moisture.

These characteristics make it the gold standard for anyone serious about minimizing boil-down time. If your goal is to create rich, concentrated pastes, thick, authentic marinara sauce, or perfectly sun-dried tomatoes, the Roma is your non-negotiable choice in the garden.

A Determinate Champion

As a determinate variety, the Roma plant grows to a manageable, compact height (around 3–4 feet) and produces the majority of its crop all at once. This synchronized ripening is a massive advantage for batch processing, allowing you to harvest, sauce, and can with maximum efficiency.

General Grow Information

Property Value
Plant Type Determinate (Bush)
Plant Height (Determinate) 3-4 ft
Plant Spacing 24 in
Row Spacing 36 in
Sunlight Needs Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Sprouting Time 7-14 days

Plant Care and Cultivation

  • Soil & pH: Prefers rich, well-draining soil (pH 6.0-6.8). Incorporate generous amounts of compost or aged manure before transplanting.
  • Watering Best Practices: Water consistently and deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil evenly moist. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize common fungal diseases like blight.
  • Support & Staking: While determinate (compact), Roma plants are heavy fruit producers. Caging or staking is essential to prevent stems from breaking under the weight of the harvest.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for determinate types. Focus on removing any yellowing, diseased, or low-hanging leaves that touch the soil to improve air flow.

Propagation via Cuttings

Tomatoes are easy to propagate from suckers. Place a 6-8 inch cutting in water or moist potting mix.

Unique Points of Interest

The determinate growth habit ensures the entire crop ripens quickly, which is ideal for efficient batch processing and canning. Its low moisture and minimal seed gel result in a superior texture and reduced boil-down time for thick sauces, saving time and energy during preservation.

Traditional Uses

The standard for classic Italian and Mediterranean cooking, used primarily for making thick tomato paste, rich spaghetti and pizza sauces, concentrated purées, and is the preferred variety for sun-drying.

Recipes Featuring Roma Tomato (Paste)