CropsPaste Tomato › Roma

Roma
Paste Tomato in the US

A really reliable plum tomato, Roma is a go-to for canning and making rich sauces. It's a solid, dependable choice for beginners and experienced growers alike.

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Sow Plant out Harvest

Sow window for Paste Tomato generally, zone 6.

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How to grow it

You'll want to start these indoors, like I say, because they need warmth to get going. Sow your seeds about 1/4 inch deep in trays or small pots. The best time depends on your climate zone: March to April for zone 5, February to March for zones 6 and 7, and January to February if you're in zones 8 or 9. Keep them somewhere warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C) is ideal for good germination. Don't rush it, give them a good start.

Once they've got a couple of true leaves, carefully prick them out into individual 3-4 inch pots. Keep them growing strong and sturdy. Before planting out, you'll need to harden them off for about 10-14 days, gradually getting them used to the outdoors. Don't plant them into the ground until all danger of last frost has passed, you know what I mean. Give them about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) between plants and make sure they have a good sturdy stake or cage for support.

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More Paste Tomato varieties

Track your Paste Tomato from packet to plate

Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.

Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.