Roma VF Tomato

Grow the ultimate paste tomato with Roma VF – the legendary Italian heirloom that sets the standard for sauce, paste, and canning tomatoes. These determinate plants produce abundant yields of meaty, egg-shaped fruits with few seeds, thick walls, and rich flavor perfect for creating authentic Italian sauces, salsas, and preserved tomatoes.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 75-80 days from transplant
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil temperature reaches 60°F and all frost danger has passed
• Spacing: 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart
• Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Support needed: Recommended – determinate plants grow 3-4 feet tall and benefit from cages or stakes when heavily laden with fruit
• Zones: 3-11 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Harvest when tomatoes are deep red and firm to the touch. Roma VF produces heavily over several weeks, providing steady harvests for preserving projects. The meaty, low-moisture flesh with minimal seeds makes these perfect for tomato sauce, paste, canning, sun-drying, roasting, and fresh salsa. Each 3-ounce fruit is packed with concentrated tomato flavor. Each plant produces 15-20 pounds of tomatoes throughout the season.

Care Tips

Roma VF thrives in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly at the base of plants, avoiding overhead watering to prevent disease. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer when first fruits set. The VF designation indicates resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt. Companion plant with basil, marigolds, or parsley for natural pest management and enhanced flavor.

Why Choose Roma VF

This classic variety offers exceptional disease resistance, reliable productivity, and superior paste quality that makes it the gold standard for sauce and canning tomatoes. Whether you're preserving your summer harvest, making authentic Italian marinara, or creating homemade salsa, Roma VF delivers consistent performance and unmatched flavor that justifies its legendary status among gardeners.