If you love tomatoes , you ’ll love San Marzano tomatoes !
suppose of your veritable Beefsteak tomato . But then give it two times the flavor for gustatory perception .
thick skin for easier peeling . With few seeds for removal . And less sour acetous gustatory modality , but a more smooth scented taste .
That ’s San Marzano . It ’s an indeterminate tomato ( grows all season ) that ’s pretty uncommon in the US .
Now , substantial San Marzano tomatoes come from Italy . They ’re highly modulate with quality balk and even a mold of genuineness .
You may have noticed the“DOP ” allegory on demonstrate yield .
This popular cultivar is so sought after that evenfake canned brands started bear witness up in the US .
It ’s not possible to grow the authentic strain here , but we have created our own “ US ” variant .
While it ’s not as gamey or flavoursome as the Italian strain , it ’s still a different experience compare to other heirlooms you ’re used to here in the USA .
Let ’s learn about how to grow and care for San Marzano love apple plants so you’re able to rise a small slice of Italy in your backyard !
Guide content
Quick care guide: San Marzano tomato
Toxicity warning
observe that while these tomato are scrumptious , the works itself is considered to be toxic .
Wear protective equipment when work with this plant . wash out the yield thoroughly before usance .
The yield is edible , but the plant is n’t . It may induce adverse reaction to some individuals or dearie .
What’s a San Marzano tomato?
San Marzano is native to Mount Vesuvius , but we can get a penchant of those yummy , juicy tomatoes here in the United States .
Native to Italy , their oblong shape and pointy ends give them that unique flavour . Strong in flavor with a scented discernment , they ’re a favorite snack Lycopersicon esculentum in the community .
Sometimes referred to as “ San Marzano sauce love apple , ” they have very few seeds and less sour gustatory modality .
Even though these tomato arise natively in those Italian commercial craw fields , it ’s not too hard to replicate the same growing conditions here in the US . But you wo n’t grow the same strain .
San Marzano tomato are elongated tomatoes with extremely heavy inside . They ’re juicy , moist , and packed full of flavor compared to our Beefsteak or Cherry Lycopersicon esculentum motley .
They also have very few seeds per yield , are easier to peel , and have a alone relish from their volcanic soil . They ’re truly uncomparable to domesticated tomato plant var. .
You may see them sold in stool as plum tree tomatoes or glue tomatoes . They ’re about 3 ” in length and not uniformly mould . They have blunt ends but may be pointed as well .
The fruits grow in diminished groups of 6 - 8 fruit per plant , which make the plant lean because they get heavy . Marzano tomatoes are bright red with weights on average of 5 ounce .
The time to harvest is around 80 days on average but can vary depending on your climate . They ’re unremarkably used for canning or making sauce .
Why do San Marzano tomatoes taste so darn good?
They ’re extremely govern in the fields of Italy . Authentic fruits are produced in a sozzled circle with quality control standards that are much rigorous than ours .
The stock is verified with even QC testing of fruit . They even put a tender on the fruit to show it off . How ’s that for QC ?
But here in the US , it ’s not the same . When you try out to grow it , it just wo n’t be yield because of the dissimilar soil type . humidness , temperature , and seasonality make a difference too .
The volcanic soil is what instill the fruit to give them that distinct flavor . And their decided price point in time .
It ’s every gardener ’s pipe dream to be able to tend San Marzano tomatoes in their garden . But if you ’re up for get the effective old USA version of Marzano tomatoes , this guide should give you insight into what ’s ask for their care .
While the tomatoes wo n’t have the same taste or texture , they can still give you the gustatory sensation of Italy you ’ve been crave . At least the most you ’re gon na get here in the US !
you may still habituate it for making sauce , canning , drying , produce pastes , or cooking your pet pasta cup of tea .
They ’re still unparalleled in their own manner . Plus , you’re able to couple them with regular tomatoes in your yard like Beefsteak , Cherry , Roma , Early Girl , Black Krim , Celebrity , Campari , Cherokee , or Gardener ’s Delight .
Types of San Marzano
There are multiple strains you’re able to bump in seed or seedling course .
Here are some of the most democratic ones that gardeners be intimate :
How to propagate San Marzano plants
This division covers what you need to do to get your San Marzano Lycopersicon esculentum plants take up . It ’s authoritative to note that you should only be grow it in the correct hardiness geographical zone .
These tomato have been re-introduce to the US as their own strain so that already puts you at a departure since they ’re not native here .
If you want to maximize Lycopersicon esculentum product , you should devote thrifty attention to the maintenance requirement and provide your plants with what they need .
In other words , there ’s little way for error . They are a bit particular .
From seed
The average Marzano plant will bring forth about 10 Ezra Loomis Pound of yield during peak time of year if properly cared for . This is a upright number to shoot for if you want something to aim for .
So if you eat a lot of tomatoes or you plan to use them for all sorts of tasty projects , you should implant them accordingly . It ’s always courteous to found extra in case some seeds do n’t pullulate or the plant does n’t make it to fruiting .
you could observe seeds online , but ensure they ’re reputable seed sellers . ( Check Amazonfor reviews . )
Use plenteous potting soil for seed sowing . Get a bucket . Clean it then sate it with the grease of your choice . Water it about ⅓ full and stir the H2O in . it should become dampish , but not waterlogged .
The urine should quickly imbibe out of the holes on the bottom . This preps the grunge to be used for the starter trays .
fulfil each compartment with the grunge , leaving about .25 inches from the top . Put 1 - 2 cum per compartment , then sprinkle some soil to cover it . Spray each plot of ground with a atomizer bottle .
It should be dampish , but not wet . Cover with a humidness dome or plastic bag . Water regularly and observe the humidity and water level .
If temperature drop too cold , use a heating mat under the starter tray .
Put the seeds near a windowpane with full sun where it gets at least 8 hours of daily Lord’s Day . South - front window are idealistic . Keep temperature table between 70 - 75F with humidness at 100 % . curb for bug or fungus day by day .
You should plant enough to get a goodish amount of tomatoes that go ripe around the same time . But if you desire to stagger your crop , plant in batches each spaced 1 - 2 week apart . This will reduce the possibility of surplus yield and then move to waste . consider ahead .
seedling should be moved to the garden when they ’re about 8 inch or taller . When they get two sets of true leave-taking , it ’s ready to be moved into their own pot .
you may habituate small 5 - inch ceramist temporarily until they ’re ready to be prompt into your garden . Fill the container ⅔ full with the same soil , then move the seeding into it . Plant the leave 0.5 ” below the container boundary .
Pack around the seedling . Water generally when the top in becomes near dry .
If you ’re in a zone with warmer winters , you may keep them in the starter kit and then move them outside when there ’s no sign of temperature dips .
When to plant
If you ’re start from ejaculate , imbed up to 8 weeks inside your planetary house to get the seedlings growing . Only move them outside when the last frost date is over .
If starting from seedling , wait until early spring when all signboard of cold weather are all over . Put the seedling in a container alfresco for a few hour each day over a week or two .
This is necessary to get them used to the outside element . If you just put it outside and leave it there , it ’ll likely wither from the coldness or the heat . I ’m not used to it yet . It call for to adapt . It ’s call hardening off .
From seedlings
buy a seedling plant from your local nursery is the style to go .
While produce from seed is nice , it takes a lot of work and germ rates are low-pitched . If you desire a pass start for the season , or if you ’re late , buy a pre - grown plant at a premium is worth it .
temper them off inside your firm before you move them to the outdoors . They should be transplanted when they ’re about 12 inch in height .
Give them a routine of sun daily then move them back at bottom for over a week . Dig a hole double as wide as the plant , but the same depth as the archetype . Put ⅔ of the stem into the soil .
deep growing is idealistic for seedlings . Dig a trench and then put the plant life sideways with the tip above the grease line . satisfy the trench with territory and then irrigate it well . Each plant should be spaced at least 30 inches apart .
How to care for San Marzano tomato
This section covers some general care guidelines to get the most yield out of your Marzano tomatoes .
notice that your care motivation will change depending on the type of local shape your garden has ( soil case , temperature , humidity , etc . ) .
However , you could use these gratuity / tricks to get an overall picture of the care level require for growing and care for these tomatoes .
Hardiness zone
These tomatoes require specific conditions to produce the most fruit .
They like fertile , rich soils with temperate condition . Extended summertime will help oneself maximize their yield .
If you ’re in USDA zone 5 - 10 , it should be sufficient to satisfy their necessary environmental requirement . Lower zones will fight with cold dip while higher zones may overheat them .
If it ’s too hot or too stale , they both will hinder tomato production .
Soil
San Marzano tomato plants like well - draining , copious , fertile soil .
Use gamey - quality garden soil , organic if potential . Combine it with topsoil or constituent compost .
Organic compost , moss , manure , or leaf bedding can be deputise . Garden lime can aid bestow the pH down so it ’s slimly acidic . If it ’s too acidic , utilize wood ash tree to raise it .
Soil pH
love apple like slightly acidic soil . This particular cultivar involve soil between 5.5 - 7.0 pH.
Use limestone to naturally lend your pH down if needed . pH wo n’t make or kick downstairs your output , but for that toothsome flavor , you ’ll need to make it acidic . Tomatoes grow well in canonic ( eminent pH ) soils .
Spacing
When starting from cum , you could put 1 - 2 seeds per compartment . Do n’t worry about space them out . They ’ll be thinned out when they mature .
When they become seedlings ( 8 inches + ) , move them to the garden . Space each San Marzano at least 30 inch apart . This provide plentiful space for them to hold out their ancestor .
It also minimizes competition for nutrients in the grunge column . If you ’ve grown nightshades in the same spot prior , do n’t embed them there . The soil needs to be reseed or else there may be no nutrients or possible pest front .
Never implant nightshade plant in the same smirch without practicing crop gyration . This will eliminate bug eggs , refill the nutrients , and give you more product .
Depth
You ’ll necessitate to measure the stature of these seedlings if you ’re using glasshouse pre - grown plant . The bottom ⅓ should be amply cover by soil , including the root system .
But the leaves should never touch the land line . They should be at least 0.5 inches from the surface to prevent rot or pests . If you ’re starting from seed , plant each seed 0.25 ” deep .
Fertilizer
To get those big red tomatoes , you ’ll need to apply some plant life food . Within 14 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of planting outside , find high - quality , constituent , 5 - 10 - 10 fertilizer .
San Marzano ask small nitrogen so it does n’t waste its push on growing leave of absence , rather than fruit . If you get leggy plants with very few tomatoes , there could be excess nitrogen in the soil .
Fertilizer should be applied as directed with 6 inches of infinite to avoid leaf burn . body of water - soluble flora food work well .
Pruning
When the tomato acquire to at least 2 feet improbable , begin trim it regularly by using sterilized pruners .
Cut off the sucker so it ’ll focus on fruit . take out sensationalistic or brown leave of absence . Cut off fail or drop flowers . Keep it tidy so it ’s not too dense with foliage , which may take in pestilence .
Prune leaves that are no longer bring about or damaged . Do n’t crop unexampled leave of absence unless necessary .
Buds will wrench into flowers , which will help pollinate the works for fruit . Tomatoes can be hand fertilizedif there ’s no wind motion , birds , or bee .
Watering
Tomato works will need their land to be moist . It should never be totally dried out between watering session .
Keep it moist , but not wet or waterlogged . Aim for 2 - 3 inches of pee per week . set as necessary for drouth or showery flow . Use rain or compost tea body of water for ideal tomato production .
Well water supply or pond water also are good choices .
Sunlight
San Marzano demand full Lord’s Day like other Lycopersicon esculentum plants . Provide at least 8 60 minutes of sun per daylight if possible . Do n’t plant near other tall plants . They may block the illumination .
Temperature
San Marzano develop well in temperatures that are n’t too red-hot , but not too cold-blooded either . They prefer temperate weather condition with a compass between 68 - 75F.
If temperature discharge to the 60s or above 80F , they ’ll stop repine . Ideally , the temperature should be very temperate with long hot summers . That ’s what they like .
Soil that ’s too cold should be avoided if you ’re moving seedlings . The sudden temperature free fall can obliterate the new plants .
Humidity
Humidity should be middling restrained with at least 60 % humidness in the area .
Temperature between 50 - 90 degree should supply the humidness needed if water correctly . ground should be moist , but never waterlogged .
Mulching
If your zone is prone to random temperature fluctuations , view put a 1 - 2 inch layer of mulch over the base of the works . This will aid retain soil moisture so you do n’t need to water as much .
It also help insulate the roots so they do n’t suffer from sudden temperature changes . habituate organic mulch if potential .
If your garden is full of weeds , veritable mulching may help keep them out .
Compost
you’re able to buy organic compost to help flow your love apple throughout the season or you’re able to even make your own at home . Leaf bedding , bark , hay , straw , or plant matter can all be good sources of compost . Ensure that it ’s not infested with pests or moulder before using it .
Staking
No matter which character of San Marzano you grow , you ’ll need to give it some works support because those tomatoes will weigh it down .
Even the small melody of this plant life will demand some support because of the laborious , dumb vines that bear yield . Each cluster of tomatoes ranges up to 8 fruit , so it ’s pretty darn dense .
you’re able to apply traditional stakes , cages , or trellis . Or you could get originative with it like planting next o a fence or something .
Whatever you choose , works stake for San Marzano tomatoes is necessary .
Harvesting
Similar to most heirloom tomatoes , Marzano will be ready for harvest in about 80 - 90 days . It vary based on the local term of your garden .
If everything is perfect , you should get about 10 hammering of fruit per plant .
Sometimes , the great unwashed will desire to get a headstart on their craw so it does n’t go into fall , which can bankrupt your harvest . If you have a shortsighted grow time of year , it makes sense to move the seedlings to the garden as early as you could .
Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date in your zone so you may get them outside right on when the spring is here .
For those in the right zone , or with extra long summers , originate 6 weeks indoors . It just takes a few calendar week to go from absolutely ripe to reduced output .
San Marzano tomatoes are NOT good for garden that have scant growing seasons . It needs ample clip to bring forth those theme song tomatoes .
If your zone is prostrate to temperature dips , see growing varieties that have a quicker time to harvest ( TTH ) such as Subartic , Glacier , or Cherry .
If you ’re familiar with paste tomato plant , you already know that they will produce yield in small-scale 14 - 21 day peck at a time ( also know as determinate production ) .
San Marzano is indeterminate , which means they will produce fruit over the entire growing season .
To check when they ’re ready , check for ripeness . They should be firm , shiny cherry-red , and about 3 ” or longer in sizing .
If they ’re indulgent , dark red , or about to fall off the plant , you may have missed your windowpane to taste their acme ripeness .
If they ’re still fleeceable or yellow , they ’re not quick to be removed from the vine just yet . Give them more meter , but pluck before the gloam when temperatures dip .
This will ruin the grain . It takes practice session , but once you get it going , you ’ll be a Marzano tomato picking expert !
They can be turned into sauce right forth after you wash them with quick weewee . No pauperism to do anything fancy .
When the yield is big and a bit green or yellow , you may originate pick . They ’ll mature after they ’ve been picked from the vine . pervert the stem turn or use lopper to get rid of it . Do n’t pull on it .
tomato plant will carry on to ripen if picked too soon . So it ’s good to foot early rather than later . Keep that in idea when you ’re unsure .
Storage
You should expend your tomatoes right upon harvest home . San Marzano tomato plant will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days .
hot conditions or cooler weather will deflower the flavor of it . Unlike beefsteak or cerise love apple , these Lycopersicon esculentum do NOT store well in the fridge . It ’ll ruin the texture of it .
Growing San Marzano in containers
Container originate is simple .
While the tomatoes are pretty large , they can still tolerate halter space like potters or planters . One 5 - congius jackpot can take a single Marzano works .
For maximal yield , do n’t imbed more than one Lycopersicon esculentum plant per container .
Potted plant do have their own circle of unique care guidepost :
Otherwise , care is pretty much the same as soil planted in San Marzano plant . Note that container - grown Lycopersicon esculentum flora will generally produce less fruit with smaller size vs. soil planted unity .
How to grow San Marzano tomatoes indoors
San Marzano tomato will uprise to their maximal size only in full sun . Outdoors . If you must take your plant in spite of appearance , there are a few things you take to keep in mind .
First , you should only take it indoors if you must . Things like cold atmospheric condition , uttermost heating plant , rainfall , or drought could require you to bring it indoors temporarily so you’re able to protect it . But once it ’s over , take it back alfresco so it can get the full Sunday it needs .
The only times your tomato plant should be indoors is because of unfavourable condition outside OR you ’re hardening it off . Seedlings need to be acclimated to the elements before you take them out of doors for trade good .
It ’s not possible to get the same yield grow indoors vs. outside . Unless you have high - tone inflammation systems set up , it ’s not going to fly high like in the sunlight .
Companion plants
Plant your San Marzano next to sweet-scented basil , genus Allium , celery , Petroselinum crispum , chives , borage , carrots , marigold , nasturtiums , or asparagus . These are first-class companion plant life that pair well with Marzano tomatoes .
Don’t plant with
alike to other nightshade ( Solanaceae ) plants , you should forfend engraft San Marzano tomatoes with eggplants , capsicum , or spud . Avoid implant with anything that ’s in the same family . If using the same soil plot , be sure to rotate crops or else hazard pests !
Pests
San Marzano tomatoes are live to many coarse bugs that may infect other tomato plant plants .
Some bugs include pill glitch , hornworms , tomato fruitworms , flea beetles , tobacco plant worms , cabbage measuring worm , whiteflies , spider mites , rodents , bird , aphid , or flies .
The bulk can be control by using organic insect powder or horticultural fossil oil for that specific pest . Be sure it ’s dependable for use on fruits / veg .
Use as direct .
If bug are a plebeian issue , regard planting plants like marigolds or other bug - repelling plants nearby . These can aid keep cuss out of your garden .
Diseases
Tomatoes are vulnerable to leafage topographic point , blossom goal rot , or root rot . These are unremarkably triggered by overwatering , poor drain , or bacterial infections .
Consider cut back more regularly , watering less , or supplementing with atomic number 20 ( Ca ) to the dirt column by using soil amendment or by add together some crushed eggshells to it .
Uses
These tomatoes are excellent for making sauce or canning . Or eaten as a yummy collation . They can be substituted for cherry or beefsteak tomato in salad , soup , seafood , pasta , or any other repast that call for a sweet taste .
Commonly asked questions about tomato care
This section covers motion that readers ask about San Marzano tomatoes .
Growing san Marzano tomatoes in Florida
It ’s possible to grow San Marzano tomatoes if you ’re in the northeastern part of Florida . The territory must be fertile , so amended soils with moo-cow manure are perfect .
The humidity , temperature , and overall weather patterns of this part make it suited for engraft .
Are San Marzano tomatoes hard to grow?
Not really , but they do require some specific charge ( TLC ) . They ’re not fruits that you’re able to just set anywhere to which it ’ll magically maturate .
These tomato plant will need specific temperature , lots of sunshine , plant food , pruning , staking , compost , and some piss .
It voice like a destiny of work , and it can be , but the second you bite into that wise Marzano tomato is when you ’ll actualise you ’ll do it all over again .
Plus , once you get the hang of it , it ’s easy street . There are hardly any problem growing San Marzano tomatoes that make it different compared to other cultivars . It just needs a bit more tending in the temperature range .
Can San Marzano tomatoes be grown anywhere?
No , these tomatoes require productive dirt with a narrow temperature scope . If it ’s too hot or stale , it wo n’t fruit . Thus , you should only grow them in the right hardiness geographical zone .
Why are my San Marzano tomatoes not turning red?
They may not be alter from their sensationalistic / green to brilliant red because of the local temperature . tomato postulate stable temporary that are n’t too raging .
If temperature outmatch 85F systematically , they ’ll check turning good and just stay greenish . Ripening will hold because lycopene and carotin ( the pigment that makes them crimson ) ca n’t be give rise by the plant under extreme heat .
Do you pinch out San Marzano tomatoes?
Pinch out the love apple plant ’s shoot if you require to concenter vim on growing the main shank . There ’s no rationality to let the suckers go off because it ’ll just waste energy on them .
pilfer them off with serialized pruners as soon as you notice them .
Here ’s a telecasting that shows you how to do it :
Can you Trellis San Marzano tomatoes? Do they need to be staked?
Yes , and you should . These tomatoes can get lumbering on the vine , peculiarly when each tomato clustering can hold several pounds of fruit .
These plants are impenetrable with thick vine . They ’re a vine flora , not a bush works . They can grow upwards of 7 feet , so give them plenty of room to climb .
The industrial plant will lean , sag , or even fall over if you do n’t give it some support . you may expend tomato cages , wooden or metal works supports , fence supports , wall living , or trellises .
mark that this is not optional . You MUST give it support or risk turn a loss a batch of tomatoes .
Are San Marzano perennial or annual tomatoes?
They ’re study to be annual vegetable under right care condition . They fruit consistently . Not in batches . This means they ’re indeterminate plants . geminate with determinate tomato plant for variety surplus !
Are San Marzano tomatoes worth it?
That ’s immanent .
Do you think it ’s deserving set in the movement to supervise temperature , feed , and water your plants weekly ?
Are you willing to check the forecast and give it mulch when the temperature dips ?
Does the opening of a heatwave kill your plants touch your prospect for the piece of work ask ?
It ’s all up to you . But the taste of San Marzano is uncomparable .
How close can I plant San Marzano tomatoes?
blank space tomato imbed at least 30 - 48 column inch apart from each other . This assist maximise the place they have so they can stretch out those ancestor .
If you plant them too close together , they ’ll contend for nutrients which note them both small overall . The tomato yield will be less tasty , gamy , or have poor texture . If you have a smaller garden and you want to rise San Marzano , you ’ll need to get creative .
Consider container planting . Or just fix the figure of plant you have going on at any given clock time . Less Is more .
Further reading
Grow your own San Marzano
So there you have it . Now you hump the basics of how to originate and care for San Marzano Lycopersicon esculentum plants so you’re able to grow them in your backyard .
These tomato flora are finicky and finicky , so they require a specific set of environmental conditions to thrive .
However , if you ’re in zone 5 - 10 , why not give them a endeavor ? They ’re a nice change of scenery from tomato plant to use in your canning or sauces .
If you have interrogative , post them below ! Happy maturation !
I ’ve always been interested in horticulture , but I never assume it seriously until I was forcefully gifted an orchidaceous plant . This was what got me into the hobby and I ’ve never looked back . I relish indite about it , but not nearly as much as get into the turd and sculpting the perfect decorative ornamental to savour for the times .
