Plum Tomatoes
10 Mouthwatering Varieties of Plum Tomatoes to Grow at Home
What are plum tomatoes and what makes them so special?
Plum tomatoes, also known as paste tomatoes, are a popular type of tomato that is routinely used for making sauces, salsa, and tomato paste.
They are known for their meaty flesh, few seeds, and low water content, which make them perfect for cooking down into a thick sauce, making pico de gallo, or a thick salsa for those yummy tortilla chips.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to grow plum tomatoes and list 10 popular varieties to try.
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How to Grow Plum Tomatoes
Plum tomatoes are easy to grow, and can be grown in your garden. Here are the steps to grow plum tomatoes:
Sunny Location
Like most all tomatoes Plum tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
Choose a spot in your garden or on your balcony or deck that gets plenty of sun.
Note: I grew some last year that were in a tough spot and only part of the summer got 6 hours of sun yet they still did great, they just ripened later.
Prepare the soil
Plum tomatoes prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Add compost or other organic matter to your soil before planting to ensure that it is fertile.
For more on great soil see Stop Fertilizing, Regenerate Your Soil Instead
How to Regenerate Your Soil
Use less fertilizer and grow healthy plants that need less water and pampering.
Plant the seeds
Plum tomato seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or they can be planted directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.
(you need a long growing season to be able to start them directly in the ground, so just plan on starting the seeds in pots)
Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
RELATED: Grow Tomatoes from Seed
Transplant the seedlings
When the seedlings are 6-8 inches tall and once the soil warms, transplant them to their permanent location in the garden or in a container.
Space the plants 2-3 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow.
Water and fertilize
Plum tomatoes need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather.
For options on how to fertilize the plants see the article below, you may not even need it!
All the best garden tips
Best Fertilizers for Tomatoes
Why do we need to know what the best fertilizer for tomatoes is?
Harvest the tomatoes
Plum tomatoes typically take 70-80 days to mature but check your seed packet or plant tag to see for certain.
Harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have a deep red color (if they are a red tomato variety, some are purple or orangey yellow).
Use them fresh, or cook them down into a sauce or paste.
10 Popular Varieties of Plum Tomatoes
- San Marzano: (a personal favorite) This is one of the most popular varieties of plum tomatoes. It is known for its sweet flavor and dense flesh, and it is often used for making tomato sauce and pizza sauce.
- Roma: Roma tomatoes are another popular variety of plum tomatoes. They have a thick, meaty flesh and a slightly tart flavor. They are great for making tomato sauce, salsa, and tomato paste.
- Amish Paste: This is a large, meaty tomato with a sweet, tangy flavor. It is a great all-purpose tomato that can be used for sauce, paste, and slicing.
- Opalka: Opalka tomatoes are a Polish variety of plum tomatoes that are long and narrow. They have a rich, sweet flavor and are great for making sauce and paste.
- Costoluto Genovese: (another favorite of mine) This is a large, flattened tomato with a deep red color and a rich flavor. It is great for making sauce, salsa, and bruschetta.
- Principe Borghese: This is a small, oblong tomato that is often used for making sun-dried tomatoes. It has a sweet, rich flavor and a firm texture.
- Black Plum: This is a unique variety of plum tomato with a dark purple color. It has a rich, complex flavor and is great for making sauce and salsa.
- Orange Banana: This is a sweet, tangy tomato with a unique shape. It is great for making sauce and salsa, and it is also delicious when sliced and eaten fresh.
- Napoli: This is a small, sweet tomato with dense flesh. It is great for making sauce and paste, and it is also delicious when eaten fresh.
- Heinz: This is a classic variety of plum tomato that is often used for making ketchup. It has a sweet, tangy flavor and a thick flesh that makes it perfect for cooking down into a sauce.
No matter which variety of plum tomatoes you choose to grow, they are a delicious and versatile addition to any garden.
With their rich flavor and dense flesh, they are perfect for making sauces, salsas, and pastes.
All the best tips
Oven Roasted Marinara
A fast and easy way to create a fabulous sauce with all those plum tomatoes. One pot does it all!
In addition to their culinary uses, plum tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.
So not only are they delicious, but they are also good for you!
Overall, plum tomatoes are a great choice for any home or beginner gardener who wants to grow their own fresh, flavorful produce.
With a little bit of patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious tomatoes all summer long.
