Organic beefsteak tomato 'Rosso Sicilian'

Organic beefsteak tomato 'Rosso Sicilian' (Solanum lycopersicum), offered by Les Jardins de l'Écoumène

Originating in Sicily, the 'Rosso Sicilian' beefsteak tomato is a determinate annual variety, introduced to the United States in 1987 by a Sicilian immigrant eager to preserve its authentic flavor. It produces large, ribbed, intensely red fruits whose slices resemble the shape of a flower with generous petals. Meaty, dense, and flavorful , it can reach up to 330 g per fruit and is distinguished by its rich flesh, ideal for thick sauces, tomato pastes, and stews , while also holding its shape well during cooking.

Sowing type: Indoors then transplanting
Sowing depth: 0.5 to 1 cm
Spacing between plants: 60 cm
Spacing between rows: 90 cm
Plant spread: Approximately 60 to 80 cm
Plant height: Approximately 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet: 35 seeds
Germination: 7 to 10 days at 26 to 30 °C
Number of days for harvest: Approximately 70 to 90 days

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F). This tomato prefers full sun and rich, deep, well-drained soil; staking is recommended to support the weight of the fruit. Regular, but not excessive, watering promotes balanced growth and reduces the risk of disease, while a moderate application of compost supports production.

Harvesting and uses

Harvest the fruit when fully ripe, a deep red, and slightly soft to the touch. Generous, expressive, and quintessentially Mediterranean , the 'Rosso Sicilian' tomato excels in sauces and homemade pasta, bringing color, texture, and intensity to recipes, straight from the garden to the kitchen.