Description

Tomato Roma (Solanum lycopersicum) originating from Mexico is a classic plum tomato variety known for its firm, meaty texture, low moisture content and slightly sweet taste, making it ideal for sauces, pastes, and preserving. With its determinate growth habit, Tomato Roma reaches a compact bush height of around 75–100 cm, producing clusters of egg-shaped red fruits (approximately 7–9 cm long) that are rich in flavour and easy to process. This Italian heirloom type matures in 80–110 days, offering abundant yields with relatively low maintenance – perfect for South African home gardens and small-scale producers.

Roma Tomatoes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, performing well in garden beds or large containers.

 

Benefits

Nutritional and Medicinal 

• Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced cancer risk.
  
• High in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium – boosts immunity and supports heart and skin health.
  

• Low in calories, supports digestive health and weight management.

Pollinator & Insectary 

• Yellow flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hoverflies, increasing fruit set.
  

Versatility and Garden Value

• Excellent for cooking, roasting, drying, preserving, and saucing.
  
• Ideal for compact urban gardens or raised beds.
  
• Determinate habit means predictable, concentrated harvests.
  

 

How To Use

Tomato Roma flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Spring/Summer
• Temperature: 15-25°C
• Germinate: 7-14 days
• Depth: 3 mm
• Spacing: 30x150 cm
• Harvest: 80-110 days
• Height: Fruit 7-9 cm / Plant 75-100 cm
• Flowering Season: Mid to late summer
• Exposure: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Prefers a well drained substrate with amendments or pre-made soil containing all the necessary base additives. Ideal pH 6.0–6.8.
  
• Deep, regular watering; avoid wetting leaves to reduce fungal risk. 
  
• During the vegetative stage use a balanced nutrient feed, while during flowering/fruiting stage switch to a more potassium and phosphorus rich nutrient feeding regime.
  
• Roma tomatoes prefer warm, dry weather with good airflow; avoid prolonged humidity and frost-prone conditions.
  
• Moderate (50–70%); ensure good ventilation to prevent blight or fungal disease.
• Although determinate, Roma may benefit from light staking or cages to support fruit-heavy branches.
• Tomatoes and cannabis requirements are very similar.
• Benefits from being planted alongside basil, marigold, borage, chives, garlic, lettuce, spinach, and carrots.
• Intercropping: Pair with basil, marigolds, or clover for pest control and soil health.
• Crop Rotation: Follow with peas, clover, or lettuce. Avoid same family (nightshades or brassicas) in the same bed for 3 years.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Plant after nitrogen fixers to restore nutrients. Namely red clover, white clover, lucerne (alfalfa), peas greenfeast.
• Avoid planting with potatoes, fennel, and corn.
  

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