Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma', Roma Tomato
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Vegetables

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma'

Roma Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, bushy, determinate
Foliagedeciduous
Height3-4 feet
Width18-24 inches
Maturity0.21 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' is a determinate paste tomato cultivar renowned for its exceptional fruit quality and reliability. This compact plant typically reaches 3-4 feet in height with a bushy, determinate growth habit that concentrates fruit production over a shorter period. The compound leaves are deeply lobed and covered with fine hairs, characteristic of the tomato family. The yellow, five-petaled flowers appear in clusters and develop into the cultivar's signature elongated, plum-shaped fruits. The Roma tomatoes are distinctively egg-shaped to cylindrical, measuring 2-3 inches long, with thick, meaty flesh and relatively few seeds. The fruits ripen to a deep red color and have a firm texture that makes them ideal for processing, cooking, and sauce-making.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America, specifically the Andes Mountains region of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. The species was later domesticated and cultivated extensively in Mexico before being introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. Excellent for sauce-making, paste production, canning, and cooking due to its meaty texture and low moisture content. Ideal for gardeners who want to preserve tomatoes or make homemade sauces, salsas, and soups. The determinate nature makes it perfect for succession planting and commercial production where uniform ripening is desired.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' can be identified by its determinate, compact growth habit and distinctive plum-shaped fruits. The plants are shorter and more bush-like than indeterminate varieties, typically stopping growth at 3-4 feet. The fruits are the key identifying feature - elongated, egg-shaped tomatoes that are 2-3 inches long with thick walls and meaty flesh. Unlike slicing tomatoes, Roma fruits have fewer seed cavities and less juice, making them appear denser. The fruits grow in clusters and ripen uniformly from green to deep red.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.21 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
Summer through early fall, with peak flowering occurring 4-6 weeks after transplanting when soil temperatures are consistently warm

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow, small, five-petaled flowers in clusters

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green with a slightly fuzzy texture

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-80 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' requires consistent care for optimal fruit production. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost after soil temperatures reach 60°F and all danger of frost has passed. Provide deep, consistent watering at the base of plants to maintain even soil moisture, avoiding overhead watering which can promote disease. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer once flowering begins to encourage fruit development. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Support plants with cages or stakes despite their determinate nature, as the concentrated fruit load can cause branches to break.

Pruning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' requires minimal pruning due to its determinate growth habit. Remove suckers that develop between the main stem and branches when they are small to improve air circulation and concentrate energy into fruit production. Remove lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases. Once the plant sets its terminal flower cluster, avoid removing growing tips as this will reduce yield. Remove any diseased, damaged, or yellowing foliage promptly throughout the growing season to maintain plant health.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' fruits are safe and edible when fully ripe. However, like all members of the nightshade family, the green parts of the plant including leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Keep pets and children away from plant foliage and green fruits.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - start indoors and transplant after last frost

Days to Maturity

75–80 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums
carrots
onions
peppers

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
walnut trees
corn
dill
Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' (Roma Tomato) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef