Principe Borghese

Tomato

Zone 13a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Principe Borghese

🌱 75d to harvest Determinate

Sun-warmed and intensely aromatic, Principe Borghese paste tomatoes ripen to a rich, deep-red that tastes concentrated and bright…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 12th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) like ‘Principe Borghese’, and how can I control it?

Watch for early blight (Alternaria) on older leaves, which shows up as dark, concentric spots that spread upward. Remove and discard infected leaves early, improve airflow with pruning, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If it keeps progressing, use a labeled protective fungicide and rotate products to avoid resistance.

How often should I water ‘Principe Borghese’ tomato during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active flowering and fruit set, water deeply to keep the root zone evenly moist, typically about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the plant to repeatedly swing from dry to saturated—this can trigger blossom-end rot and cracking. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture around the tomato roots.

How can I tell when ‘Principe Borghese’ tomato is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety and have reached their firm, dense ‘Roma-style’ feel (usually around 75 days from transplant). Pick when the fruit base and shoulders look uniformly mature, not just partially blushed. For best flavor and reduced cracking, harvest frequently as soon as the fruit is fully ripe.

Sun-warmed and intensely aromatic, Principe Borghese paste tomatoes ripen to a rich, deep-red that tastes concentrated and bright—sweet at first breath, then pleasantly tangy with a savory, old-world depth. The fruits are firm and meaty with a dense, low-seed interior, yielding a silky, spoonable texture that clings beautifully to every simmering moment. Grow them for classic paste-style performance: ideal for thick sauces, slow-cooked reductions, and robust preserves that showcase their heirloom character.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 9 days first.

Expert Note

Start seeds indoors early enough to build sturdy seedlings, then transplant only once nighttime temps stay consistently warm to prevent cold-stunting.