Tomato · San Marzano

Solanaceae · Solanum lycopersicum

Native to: South America
This variety was first cultivated in Italy.

Characteristics

Heirloom variety
Frost tender Annual

Plum (paste) variety. Italian heirloom. Long red cylindrical fruit. Meaty flesh ideal for sauces; very popular for pizza. Balanced acid flavour. Heavy yields. Early maturing.

Climbing (indeterminate)

The basics

Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained

Position

Sowing Seeds

Sow in Spring and early summer (or after frost)
Technique: Direct, Raise seedlings

Depth: 5 mm Width: 50 cm Rows: 60 cm

Germination

5 to 10 days at 21 to 27°C
Maturity 85 to 90 days

Care

Plants need staking. Prune plants to two main stems. Keep well watered. Pick when mature to encourage more fruit. To reduce the risk of disease do not water overhead. Rotate crops: do not plant in the same position two years in a row.

Feed

Apply slow release fertiliser at the recommended rate when transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10cm tall. Apply liquid fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency while plants are fruiting or flowering.

Common Problems: Blossom end rot, Split fruit, Catfacing, Sunscald

Harvest

Fruit is ready when it starts to change colour. Harvest fruit by cutting with snips/secateurs or by twisting to separate from the stem. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit. If stored at room temperature, fruit will continue to ripen after harvest.

Journal

24	9

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