Viva Italia

Tomato

Zone 6b Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Determinate

Sun-warmed, deep-red Viva Italia paste tomatoes burst with a rich, tangy sweetness and a true “tomato” perfume that lingers on th…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Sweet Dani Lemon Basil Basil

Carson Hybrid Carrot

Lemon Mrs. Burns Basil

Gigante D'Italia Parsley

Titan Parsley

Caribbean Tree Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and how do I treat it?

Early blight (Alternaria) commonly shows as brown, concentric “target” spots on lower leaves and can spread upward. Remove and trash infected leaves immediately, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line (not the foliage). If new spots keep appearing, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and reapply according to the label after rain or heavy dew.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and fruit set, keep the soil evenly moist—typically about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply 1–3 times per week rather than daily sprinkles, aiming for consistent moisture to reduce issues like blossom-end rot and cracking.

How can I tell when Viva Italia tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (deep red) and the skin is firm but gives slightly to gentle pressure. They should come off the vine with a light twist and have a mature size for their variety at about 75 days from planting.

Sun-warmed, deep-red Viva Italia paste tomatoes burst with a rich, tangy sweetness and a true “tomato” perfume that lingers on the palate. Flesh is dense and meaty with few seeds, yielding a velvety texture ideal for thick, spoonable sauces and robust roasting—each harvest delivering concentrated flavor for long-simmer favorites. Grow Viva Italia for a steady, dependable supply of uniform fruit that turns the garden into a harvest-ready red tapestry.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start tomatoes early enough for sturdy transplants, then transplant only once night temperatures are reliably warm to keep growth from stalling.