Roma is a determinate paste tomato developed by the USDA and released in 1955, and it has become the standard supermarket and home-garden plum tomato. The egg-shaped fruit has meaty walls, few seeds and low moisture, making it a workhorse for sauce, paste and canning. Because it is determinate, the compact bushy plants set most of their crop in a concentrated flush, which is convenient for putting up large batches at once. Roma is open-pollinated and easy to grow, and its reliability and heavy set have made it one of the most widely planted tomatoes in the world despite a milder flavor than premium heirloom paste types.
Flavor Profile
Mild and pleasantly tomatoey with low acidity; unremarkable raw but concentrates well into sauce and paste.
Visual Characteristics
Uniform egg-shaped red plum fruit about two to three inches long with thick, dry flesh.
Growing Tips
A determinate variety that fruits in a concentrated flush ideal for batch canning; a short cage keeps fruit off the ground.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Some resistance to fusarium and verticillium wilt; prone to blossom-end rot under uneven watering.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.