Roma Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Also called plum tomato, paste tomato
Roma is a plum-type paste tomato, Solanum lycopersicum. It is started from seed indoors or sown after frost in full sun, and it needs warm weather, steady watering, and support.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 6–12 days
- Germination temperature
- 24–32 °C75–90 °F
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- 46–61 cm1½–2 ft
- Days to maturity
- 65–90 days from transplanting
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About roma tomato
Roma is a plum tomato, a type of Solanum lycopersicum. Its fruits are medium-sized and oblong, with very meaty interiors and few seeds. Paste tomatoes like Roma are preferred for drying, canning, and sauces.
Tomatoes are warm-season plants that grow best at 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) during the day. They are usually grown as annuals, though in frost-free climates they can live longer.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- 6–8 weeks before the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Yes, 19 L or largerYes, 5 gal or larger
- Height
- 0.3–3 m1–10 ft
- Spread
- 0.3–1.2 m1–4 ft
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- pH 5.8–6.8
- Life cycle
- Not yet verified
Sowing timeline
When to sow roma tomato seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Germination time
- 6–12 days
- Germination temperature
- 24–32 °C75–90 °F
- Days to maturity
- 65–90 days from transplanting
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow roma tomato from seed
Sowing. Start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Tomato seeds should be planted about ⅛ inch (0.3 cm) deep; one seed company suggests ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep in seed flats. Seeds germinate in 6 to 12 days, and one seed company gives 5 to 7 days. Keep the soil warm, ideally 75 to 90 °F (24 to 32 °C), for germination.
Transplanting. Harden off indoor plants before moving them out. Plant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, and water well before transplanting. Wait until the soil is warm before planting out. Space plants 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) apart. Bury the lower part of the stem to encourage more roots.
03 · Care
Caring for roma tomato
Watering. Keep the root zone moist by watering deeply and regularly during dry periods. Keep the growing media evenly moist.
Support. Use cages or stakes to keep stems from breaking or drooping under the weight of the fruit.
Feeding. Tomatoes need a high level of nutrients. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can lead to lots of leafy growth with little fruit.
At a glance
How roma tomato compares with other vegetables
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Vegetables on SeedBattle.
- Roma Tomato
- Each of the other vegetables
- Their average
- Germination timeAbout average
6–12 days
Average for vegetables: 10 days, from 39 other seeds
- Days to maturityAbout average
65–90 days from transplanting
Average for vegetables: 73 days, from 14 other seeds
- Germination temperatureWarmer than average
24–32 °C75–90 °F
Average for vegetables: 22 °C72 °F, from 38 other seeds
- Spacing between plantsWider than average
46–61 cm1½–2 ft
Average for vegetables: 34 cm13 in, from 43 other seeds
- HeightTaller than average
0.3–3 m1–10 ft
Average for vegetables: 92 cm3 ft, from 57 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common roma tomato problems
Uneven watering can lead to blossom end rot and split fruit. Tomatoes are susceptible to many pests, such as hornworms, aphids, and cutworms, and to diseases such as blights and wilts. Disease resistance differs between cultivars.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting roma tomato
Harvest as soon as the fruit color begins to change. Flavor is best when the fruit is picked fully vine-ripened but still firm.
06 · Storage
Storing roma tomato
Don’t refrigerate tomatoes; let them ripen fully indoors at room temperature. Another guide says ripe tomatoes keep 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator, though cold can reduce flavor. Green tomatoes can be stored at 50 to 70 °F (10 to 21 °C) for one to three weeks.
07 · Safety
Roma Tomato safety
Don’t eat the leaves or stems; they can cause stomach upset and other symptoms if eaten in large amounts. The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. One source lists the plant as a problem for cats and dogs but gives no severity.
Roma Tomato questions
How long do Roma tomato seeds take to germinate?
Tomato seeds usually sprout in 6 to 12 days. One seed company gives 5 to 7 days.
When should I plant Roma tomatoes outdoors?
Plant outside after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.
Can I grow Roma tomatoes in a pot?
Yes, tomatoes can be grown in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), with one plant per pot.
How much space do Roma tomato plants need?
Space plants 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) apart.
Quick answers
More roma tomato questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How much sun does roma tomato need?
Roma tomato grows in full sun.
What temperature do roma tomato seeds need to sprout?
Roma tomato seeds germinate at 24–32 °C75–90 °F.
How long does roma tomato take to mature?
Roma tomato takes 65–90 days from transplanting to mature.
How tall does roma tomato grow?
Roma tomato grows 0.3–3 m1–10 ft tall.
Can roma tomato survive frost?
No. Roma tomato is tender, so it can't take frost.
What soil pH does roma tomato need?
Aim for soil at pH 5.8–6.8.
Side by side
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