Roma Tomato

Description:
Vigorous vines produce excellent yields of bright red, medium sized pear shaped fruit. The fruit of choice for many cooked dishes, canning and for making tomato paste. Water well to prevent drying out in warm weather and fertilize with liquid or slow release plant food for best results.

Light requirement: Full sun

Frost protection: Tomato plants are a warm weather crop. Even a light frost will damage them. When air temperatures dip (mid 30°F to lower 40ۨ°F) cover plants with sheets or frost blankets..

Planting: Space most plants 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on type (refer to plant tag for details). Plant your tomato plants deeper than they come in the pot. Bury as much as 2/3 of the stem. Tomatoes will develop roots all along the stem.  More roots make for a stronger plant.

Soil requirements: Tomatoes need well drained, nutrient rich soil. Amend soil with compost, manure or other organic matter prior to planting. Prefer soil PH between 6 to 6.8.

Water requirements: Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water deep and regular while the fruit is developing. Even moisture is critical in helping to prevent blossom end rot and cracking/splitting of the fruit. Plants require on average 1 inch of water per week. During dry spells they may need more.

Mulch: When temperatures remain warm, both during the day and at night you can add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil borne pathogens from splashing onto the leaves.

Maintenance: After your tomato plants reach about 3 feet tall, remove some of the lower leaves which are close to the soil. These are the oldest leaves and they get the least amount of sun and airflow. They are usually the first to develop fungus problems, by removing them can help prevent infection.

Harvesting: Once a tomato reaches “breaker stage” (about ½ green and ½ pink) the tomato can be harvested and ripened off the vine with no loss of flavor, quality or nutrition.

Storage: Store picked tomatoes at room temperature indoors, or in a shady place outdoors. Do not refrigerate tomatoes. Temperatures below 55°F cause flavor compounds to break down.