Roma

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sun-warmed and deeply aromatic, Roma delivers a dense, meaty sweetness with a classic tang that sings from first bite to last spoonful.

Its elongated, plum-shaped fruits ripen to a rich, steady red and hold their firm, low-seed texture—ideal for turning into thick, velvety sauces and robust paste. Grow Roma for dependable, warm-season performance and a harvest that’s tailor-made for preserving and simmering into pantry favorites.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Determinate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built for the pot: Roma’s low-seed, firm interior collapses into a thick, velvety sauce without turning soupy. Use it when you want tomato flavor that holds its body on a spoon and keeps its backbone through long simmering.

Best Uses

slow-simmered marinara that stays spoonable (not watery)
thick paste-style sauce for pizza and baked dishes
canned/preserved tomato sauces and relishes
grilled or roasted tomato halves where the flesh stays structured

Flavor Profile

dense, meaty flesh plum-sweet with a clean, classic tang low-seed texture that cooks down thick sun-warmed, deeply aromatic finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic extra-virgin olive oil onion Parmesan mozzarella balsamic vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Roma tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), and how can I treat it early?

Early blight (Alternaria) shows up as dark, concentric rings on older leaves and can spread quickly in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard the affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and reapply according to the label schedule.

How often should I water Roma tomatoes during their main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During active fruiting, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, adjusting to heat so the top 1 inch of soil dries slightly between waterings. Keep moisture steady—uneven watering can cause blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Aim for consistently moist soil 6–8 inches down, not soggy conditions.

How do I tell when Roma tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (typically deep red) and feel firm but slightly yielding to gentle pressure. They should also detach easily from the vine with a light twist and have reached full size for the variety. For best flavor, pick after the fruit has ripened fully on the plant, not just at first color change.