DESCRIPTION
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Rio Grande Tomato Growth Habits:
Unlike most transplants, tomatoes should be buried deeper than they were in their seedling pots. Up to two-thirds of the plant can be buried. Once established, heirloom Rio Grande tomato seeds grow into determinate plants that reach 1 to 6 feet high. For higher plants, stakes are recommended. Rio Grande tomatoes ripen about 80 days after transplant, resulting in a large, meaty, pear-shaped fruits.
Various Culinary Uses for Rio Grande Tomato Seeds :
Tomatoes grown from Rio Grande tomato seeds are paste tomatoes. They are commonly used for pasta sauces, purees, and in vegetable smoothies. Less common, but nevertheless delicious dishes include tomato pies and jams, and even tomato cakes and ice creams.
Rio Grande Benefits:
Like all tomato varieties, Rio Grande tomato seeds yield fruits rich in lycopene. It is suggested that this antioxidant reduces the risk of heart disease, and is good for the eyes, possibly protecting against macular degeneration. It also may combat prostate cancer and cancers of the intestinal region. Rio Grande tomatoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. The vitamin B in tomatoes has been linked to reductions in blood pressure and high cholesterol. In the past, tomatoes laid against sunburned skin provided a cooling relief.
Fun Fact:
Although Rio Grande tomatoes are primarily grown and harvested for cooking, historically, they've been used for other things. For example, tomato paste has even been used in the past to clean copper cookware and brass objects.
Rio Grande Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Approximately 90 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds,
- 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Solanum lycoperscium (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however this name is no longer accepted as correct)
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Tomato Type: |
Paste - These are oblong and often called Roma-type tomatoes. They have a lower water content. While they can be used in the same ways as slicing and salad tomatoes, they are most commonly used for canning and making tomato sauce or paste. |
Rio Grande Tomato Color: |
Red |
Rio Grande Tomato Flavor: |
Sweet, rich, meaty texture |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
80 (from transplant) |
Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
18 to 36 inches |
Row Spacing: |
36 inches |
Plant Height: |
18 to 36 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Determinate - Determinate tomatoes are more compact, bush-type plants that set their fruit all at once and end the harvest. They won't continue to produce tomatoes after that. By planting multiple plants in intervals a week apart, you can continue to harvest for longer periods. |
Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F) |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
No |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
Plant Width: |
18 to 36 inches |
Germination Temperature: |
65-85 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Fusarium Wilt 1, Fusarium Wilt 2, Verticillium Wilt. Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Tomato Use: |
Pastes, sauces, stews, soups, etc. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat-tolerant |