Roma Tomato

So, my previous seed start review highlights a couple characteristics to consider with this Roma. I erroneously attributed the lighter green foliage of seedlings to "weakness" In fact, it's just their color. They are lighter green than other varieties. At some point after the 2nd set of true leaves, these outperformed the varieties in 1 qt containers. They exhibited vigorous growth until about 6-8" tall then stalled. I started feeding all with weekly 24-8-12 and quickly discovered that these Romas benefit more than the other varieties from fertilizer. So, they are heavy feeders and have light foliage. Atlanta had a very wet season. We are at surplus 10" precipitation at the end of July... They just started to flower this week over 120 days post sow. But I'm certain it's due to me constantly sheltering them from thunderstorms. In any case, I decided to keep them in containers and they are currently beautiful, healthy plants.

I planted 10 tomatoes this year and sadly, this one is in last place. It's just my smallest, weakest vine and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. This is compared to my Czech Stupice, Black Krim, Sungold, Vernaissages, and Juliet that are taller than me and have produced lots of fruit. My Chadwick Cherry, Sweetie, and Super Sioux are somewhere in the middle. Anyway this little Roma bless it's heart it has produced two little tomatoes so I give it an E for effort but probably will stick to the Juliet for roma-style tomatoes.

I started these Romas, San Marzano indeterminant from Botanical interests, and Yellow pear (assuming indeterminant) from Ferry Morse-both USDA certified organic. The Baker creek sprouted the earliest by far. I sowed 20 seeds in 2-2' jiffy pots about 1/4" deep. I used Expert Gardener potting soil (from walmart) no amendments whatsoever and placed by south facing window. The first sprout was in 8 days and about half came up in the next 3 days. As of today, 19 days after sow, 17 of 20 seeds have sprouted. 100% of the yellow pear, and only 55% of the San Marzanos sprouted. My issues are that a few Romas sprouted late and because of the water needs of the earlier sprouts the younger ones succumb to root rot. Also, the seedlings overall appear weak relative to the other varieties I'm starting (same mix and conditions) I do not intend to use fertilizer before first true leaves appear. I will eventually transplant to outside garden and hope for better results. Will update.

My favorite. Started late by Zone 9a standards in peat pellets, then up-potted to cups. Planted at 10-12" high. They don't sprawl much, but do benefit from support when fruit sets, they will lay down under the weight. First flush had blossom end rot, that was on me. Corrected with dissolved calcium carbonate in water (half a bottle of dissolved Tums). I have had a solid month and a half of fruiting from 9 plants in ground and a few in pots. The potted plants were fertilized with non-organic 3-1-2 bi-weekly, the in-ground plants were organic, one or two applications of fish emulsion before flowers, and had one side dress of compost. I got far more fruit from in-ground plants as usual. Great flavor, I usually make sauce and eat these in salad, but I am juicing these this year. Exceptionally good producer, starting to diminish because of 95 degree days, but very, very prolific. I have plenty for me, the bugs, and friends.

Sowed directly into the ground & thinned out. Planted late due to wet Spring. Quick to germinate, and currently have very healthy plants with blossoms. Awaiting fruit. 2 plants have been discovered by tomato hornworm and have eaten a significant amount of leaves and blossoms on those plants, so I'd watch out for that. Thinned out some plants to pots and they are doing well.