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Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano'
San Marzano Tomato
Heirloom cultivar from the San Marzano sul Sarno area near Naples, Italy; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South AmericaOverview
Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano' is San Marzano tomato, an indeterminate heirloom growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) tall on stakes or cages. Elongated plum-shaped (oblong) red fruit 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long, 4-5 ounces (110-140 g), with thick flesh, few seeds, and low moisture content — the standard paste and sauce tomato worldwide. Matures in 78-85 days from transplant. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in terminal clusters. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). An heirloom (open-pollinated) from the San Marzano sul Sarno area near Naples, Italy — cultivated in the volcanic soil of the Campania region since the 18th century. DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) protected in Italy. The thick flesh and low moisture make it standard for canning, sauces, and paste. Indeterminate growth — requires staking or caging. Susceptible to blossom end rot — consistent watering required. No hybrid disease resistance: susceptible to Fusarium wilt and late blight. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Heirloom cultivar from the San Marzano sul Sarno area near Naples, Italy (cultivated since the 18th century). The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and large containers (20 gallons / 76 L). The standard paste and sauce tomato — thick flesh, low moisture, few seeds. Heirloom — save seeds. DOP protected in Italy. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow flowers continuously on indeterminate vines. Self-pollinating. Fruit 78-85 days from transplant.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in small terminal clustersFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, pinnately compound with serrated leaflets, aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Stake or cage (indeterminate — 6-8 feet). Consistent watering (blossom end rot susceptible). No hybrid disease resistance. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Stake or cage required. Large containers require 20 gallons (76 L) minimum.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — transplant only
Days to Maturity
78–85 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches