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Roma — Tomatoes | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Roma
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

60-65days to harvest

6-14days to germinate

Z4–9USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Direct sow in warm climates when soil reaches 65°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates less fertile conditions
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 12-24 inches
Season: Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep red
Size: 2-3 oz
Shape: Elongated plum or pear shape
Flavour: Concentrated, less acidic, mild and sweet

In the kitchen

Ideal for sauces, paste, canning, drying, and cooking. Can be eaten fresh but bred for processing.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Tomato hornworm, aphids, whiteflies
Diseases: Early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt
Resistance: Moderate resistance to common tomato diseases. Less susceptible to cracking than slicing varieties.

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	May	July – August	—	September – August
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	August – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	July – September
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	June – August
9	January	March – April	—	May – July
10	January	February – March	—	May – July
11	January	January – February	—	April – June
12	January	January – February	—	April – June
13	January	January – February	—	April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies, may improve flavor and growth

MarigoldDeters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

CarrotsHelps break up soil for tomato roots, doesn't compete for nutrients

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on tomato pests

ChivesRepels aphids and may improve tomato flavor and growth

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repels whiteflies

BorageDeters hornworms and attracts pollinators, may improve tomato flavor

GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent blight and repel various pests

Avoid

Black WalnutReleases juglone toxin that causes tomato wilt and stunted growth

FennelInhibits growth of tomatoes through allelopathic compounds

BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and may stunt tomato growth

CornBoth attract corn earworm/tomato fruitworm, creating pest problems

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 27
Protein (g): 0.83
Fat (g): 0.63
Carbohydrate (g): 5.51
Fibre (g): 2.1
Vitamin C (mg): 27.2
Vitamin E (mg): 0.98
Vitamin K (µg): 4.2
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.06
Folate (µg): 10
Calcium (mg): 11
Iron (mg): 0.33
Magnesium (mg): 11.9
Phosphorus (mg): 28
Potassium (mg): 260
Zinc (mg): 0.2

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the tomatoes growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Roma

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Roma?

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