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Growing San Marzano Determinate Paste Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
San Marzano Determinate seeds are best started 6-8 weeks before the final frost. Begin sowing tomato plants in early spring with a seed-starting container under grow lights or in a greenhouse. Plant seeds 0.25 inches deep in a warm, hydrated seed-starting mix. Germination will take 1-2 weeks. You can transplant San Marzano Determinate Tomato seeds outdoors once the threat of frost has passed or once your area’s lowest temperatures exceed 55 F. These plants prefer full sun and a temperature range of 65-95 F with a minimum of 50 F for germination. After 6 weeks, or once seedlings grow about 4-6 inches tall and have 2 sets of true leaves, harden them off before transplanting them outdoors. Once you are ready to transplant, till rich, composted soil in your planting location of choice and prepare 8-12 inch holes. Bury the plant deeply, as tomatoes are able to develop more roots along the buried stem. Just trim off lower branches that will end up below the soil line. This method increases root development and improves plant establishment rates. Space the plants 2 feet apart with 3 feet in between rows.
Use a trellis or stake for support as the plant grows. You can also transfer San Marzano Determinate Red Tomatoes to a container at least 14-20 inches wide and 12 inches deep to set on your patio, as this small and shorter bush type grows 3-4 feet tall and doesn't take up too much space. Feed your San Marzano tomatoes by scattering your fertilizer of choice (compost tea also works) at the base of the plants throughout the season. Be sure to follow any manufacturer's directions on commercially produced fertilizers. Water San Marzano plants regularly, but avoid standing water. In general, tomatoes prefer full sun and rich, warm, well-draining soil with added compost and a pH level of 6.2-6.8.
Harvesting San Marzano Determinate Paste Tomatoes
Harvest San Marzano Determinate Tomatoes once their red color is bright and before their firmness becomes too soft. In general, it's recommended to begin harvesting canning tomatoes once they start to turn in color. Harvest tomato plants by gently pulling the bright-red fruit from their green calyx hat with one hand while holding the stem with the other. Ripest tomatoes may be pulled from the vine by hand, while more firm ones should be clipped with shears. San Marzano Determinate paste tomatoes are a determinate bush variety and will have just a few weeks of intense harvest.
About San Marzano Determinate Paste Tomato Garden Seeds
San Marzano Determinate tomatoes are suitable for growing in garden plots, containers, raised beds, and greenhouses. Often compared to the famous Roma tomato in reference to shape, size, and flavor, San Marzano seeds grow a traditional Italian cultivar commercially produced throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Introduced in 1926, San Marzano seed has become an Italian staple where it is known locally in Valle del Sarno as "Pomodoro San Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino.''
San Marzano Determinate tomato seeds were originally bred in the 1950s specifically for resistance to Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt (VF). They are among the best San Marzano Determinate tomato seeds for growing paste tomatoes in containers because of their determinate growth habit.
These tomatoes are the type that pickers like because they are easy to reach and become ripe for harvest around the same time. Nice, short, determinate vines produce heavy yields of bright red, 2-3 inch, 5-6 ounce, plum-type fruits. San Marzano is the premier canning tomato in Italy, with heavy walls, very few seeds, and little juice.
Like all tomato varieties, San Marzano Determinate tomato seeds yield fruits high in lycopene. It is thought that this antioxidant reduces the risk of heart disease and is good for the eyes, potentially protecting against macular degeneration. It also may combat prostate cancer as well as cancers of the intestinal region. San Marzano Determinate tomatoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"San Marzano Determinants are perfect for tomato lovers with little space to spare. They do not grow too big and produce delicious fruits for fresh eating, sun drying, or canning."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
San Marzano Determinate Paste Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Packet - Approximately 85 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk - Approximately 800,000 Seeds
Non-GMO San Marzano Determinate Paste Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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