Organic 'Red Rosso Sicilian' tomato
Organic 'Red Rosso Sicilian' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a deeply ribbed Sicilian variety with a vibrant red color and firm flesh
The 'Red Rosso Sicilian' tomato is an iconic heritage variety from Sicily, renowned for its deep ribs , sculptural shape, and intense red color that evokes the warmth of the Mediterranean. Indeterminate and vigorous, it produces spectacular, meaty, and uniform fruit with firm flesh and thin skin , perfect for traditional Italian cuisine. Its dense texture and low juice content make it ideal for homemade sauces, roasting, stuffing, or preserving where structure and richness are desired. Highly popular in its region of origin, it remains one of the most prized varieties for recreating the authentic taste of Sicilian sauces.
It matures in 70 to 90 days and offers a generous harvest throughout the season. Its aroma is pronounced, slightly sweet, with a pronounced flavor typical of heirloom Italian tomatoes. In the garden as well as in the kitchen, 'Red Rosso Sicilian' is a variety that appeals to both the eye and the palate.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Italian tomato with deep ribs, firm flesh, ideal for sauces and preserves
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce strong, well-established seedlings.
Transplant outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is necessary to support the plant's vigor and the weight of the ribbed fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has turned its characteristic bright red and its flesh is firm. To get a head start, pick the tomatoes when they begin to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their freshness and texture.
Usage ideas
• Ideal for thick and rich sauces , thanks to its dense flesh
• Excellent for roasting , revealing a deep sweetness
• Perfect for stuffing , its ribbed shape provides a nice hold.
• Delicious preserved , especially in wedges for simmered sauces
The 'Red Rosso Sicilian' tomato is a celebration of Sicilian culinary tradition: plump, sculptural, and intensely flavorful. A must-have heritage variety for gardeners passionate about authentic Italian tomatoes and homemade sauces worthy of the finest trattorias.
