The Italian Heirloom Gem for Gourmet Sauces

Discover the culinary treasure that is the San Marzano tomato, an open-pollinated Italian heirloom variety that has captivated chefs and home cooks alike. These indeterminate plants produce bountiful yields of elongated, bright red fruits, each measuring approximately 3½ inches in length. With a maturation period of 80 days from transplant, San Marzano tomatoes offer a rewarding harvest for patient gardeners. This esteemed variety, originating from the volcanic soils near Mount Vesuvius, has been cherished since the 18th century for its superior flavor and texture.

San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweet, tangy flavor profile and low acidity, making them the gold standard for tomato sauces, soups, and even homemade ketchup. Their meaty flesh and minimal seed content create a rich, full-bodied taste that elevates any dish. These plum tomatoes are not only a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, contributing to a healthy diet and robust immune system.

In the garden, San Marzano plants exhibit vigorous growth, reaching heights of 20-30 inches. They thrive when provided with proper support through staking or caging, which helps manage their indeterminate growth habit. Gardeners can expect generous yields from these productive plants, with fruits typically growing in clusters of six to eight. The extended growing season of San Marzano tomatoes makes them particularly well-suited for warmer climates, where they can continue to produce well into the season.

Growing Success Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0.
• Provide at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily for optimal growth.
• Water consistently, maintaining even soil moisture throughout the growing season.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach 6-12 inches in height and soil temperatures are above 60°F (15.5°C).

San Marzano tomatoes offer an unparalleled combination of flavor, texture, and versatility that justifies their protected designation of origin (PDO) status in Italy. Whether you’re a passionate home gardener or a culinary enthusiast, these tomatoes promise to elevate your homegrown produce and culinary creations to new heights.

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a handful of crushed eggshells to the planting hole to boost calcium levels in the soil.

Product Features:

• Heirloom, open-pollinated variety
• Indeterminate growth habit
• 3½-inch long, plum-shaped fruits
• 80 days to maturity from transplant

Growing Information:

• Spacing: 36-48 inches apart
• Height: 20-30 inches
• Full sun exposure required
• Well-draining, fertile soil preferred
• Support through staking or caging necessary

Key Benefits:

• Ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning due to meaty texture
• Sweet, low-acid flavor profile
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
• Authentic Italian culinary experience