'San Marzano' tomato (unidentified variety)

'San Marzano' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), offered by the seed company Weston Seeds

The San Marzano tomato, a classic Italian heirloom, produces large, elongated, bright red fruits with meaty, sweet flesh, perfect for sauces and canning. With few seeds, the 3- to 4-ounce fruits ripen gradually throughout the season, providing a continuous harvest. An indeterminate variety, it is prized for its reliable productivity and naturally crack-resistant skin.

Height: 60 to 85 cm
Spacing: 30 to 35 cm
Sowing: Indoor sowing
Exposure: Full sun
Growth type: Indeterminate
Quantity per packet: 200 to 250 seeds, untreated, non-GMO

Cultivation method:

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in a light potting mix, lightly covering the seeds. Maintain a temperature of 22 to 24°C to encourage rapid germination in 5 to 10 days. Transplant when the seedlings develop their first true leaves, ensuring they receive bright, consistent light.

Transplant into the garden once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed, spacing the plants 30 to 35 cm apart. Provide a sturdy stake or cage, as the variety grows continuously throughout the season. Water regularly at the base of the plant and mulch to reduce moisture fluctuations, thus limiting the risk of cracking.

The San Marzano remains the benchmark for sauce tomatoes thanks to its rich taste, dense texture and sustained yield.