Roma Tomato

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.

Early and prolific. Had six plants and made about 6 quarts of sauce cooked down and 12 pints of salsa. Great flavor and produced well up until the cold came. Germinated indoors and transplanted. That was last year, this year I will be planting 20 or so for canning. I also used Comstock Slice and Sauce which worked well but came in later. With the Romas, make sure you stake and tie them well as the fruit will tear down the structure of the plant if not tied properly. I used hemp twine to tie them up and it would sometimes break it so next year I will be doubling up.

Produced a great abundance of fruit averaging 3 inch by 1 3/4. The flavor is outstanding, sweet and rich. Best of all it is the end of September and they are still producing a very large amount.