Roma refers to a group of tomato varieties that are the prime choice for sauces and canning. They have less moisture content than other, juicier tomato varieties such as beefsteak tomatoes. Romas have a thick fruit wall and skin, firm and dense flesh, and they have fewer seeds. Because of these traits, they are great for cooking down, which is why they are also called paste tomatoes. Roma tomatoes stand out by their elongated, egg-like shape, which in some varieties is pear- or plum-shaped. These tomatoes don’t get very big, only about 3 inches long. The skin is usually bright red, although new hybrids are being introduced in a variety of other colors.
Like all tomato types, these plants are very sensitive to cold, so don’t plant them outside until the risk of frost has passed.
With their meaty texture and low moisture content, Roma tomatoes are prized for cooking, canning and making sauces. But if you’re growing them in your garden, how long does it take for these oblong tomatoes to fully ripen? Understanding Roma tomato days to maturity can help ensure you enjoy their peak flavor.
In this article we’ll look at the typical timeline for Roma tomato ripening along with the factors that influence their growth rate and maturity.
What are Roma Tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes also called Italian plum or paste tomatoes are a common type of tomato bred specifically for cooking. Key traits include
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Oblong, egg or plum shape, about 3 inches long
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Firm flesh with few seeds and little juice
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Meaty, dense texture perfect for sauces and canning
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Bright red skin when ripe with little cracking or blemishes
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Low moisture content compared to slicing tomatoes like beefsteaks
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Grow on compact determinate vines around 3-5 feet tall
Popular Roma varieties include Amish Paste, San Marzano, Plum Regal and Granadero. They can be grown in gardens or containers.
Typical Days to Maturity for Roma Tomatoes
On average, Roma tomato varieties take around 75-85 days to reach maturity and full ripening once transplanting outdoors.
Here’s a general Roma tomato growth timeline if planting young plants after your last spring frost:
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4 weeks – Young transplants establish roots and vines begin growing
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8 weeks – Flower buds begin forming and open into small green fruit
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12-13 weeks – Green Roma tomatoes start changing color from green to red/orange
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14-15 weeks – Fruits fully ripen and turn bright red with mature flavor
However, the days to maturity can vary quite a bit depending on growing conditions. Next we’ll look at factors that speed up or delay ripening.
What Affects Roma Tomato Ripening Time?
Several key variables impact the time it takes for Roma tomato plants to set and ripen fruit:
Climate and Weather
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Warm, sunny weather accelerates growth and ripening.
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Cool temps, overcast skies and rain delay maturity.
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Hot, dry conditions can inhibit pollination, reducing fruit set.
Planting Time
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Earlier planting dates mean faster maturity.
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Starting seeds indoors extends the growing season.
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Delayed transplanting shortens time for fruits to develop.
Variety Selection
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Maturity range is 55-90 days for different Roma types.
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Short season varieties (55-65 days) ripen quickest.
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Late varieties (80+ days) take longest to ripen fruits.
Growing Conditions
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Rich soil, proper spacing and pruning = optimal growth.
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Insufficient light, water or nutrients slows development.
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Container-grown plants often mature a bit later.
Plant Health
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Fast, vigorous growth leads to early ripening.
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Stressed, stunted plants delay maturity.
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Pests and diseases can set back growth.
As you can see, providing optimal care through every growth stage results in your fastest harvests. Next we’ll look at some growing tips to speed up ripening.
How to Get Faster Roma Tomato Ripening
Follow these best practices in your garden to reduce days to harvest:
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Start plants early – Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your average last spring frost date.
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Choose quick maturing varieties – Select short season Roma types that ripen in 55-70 days.
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Provide full sun – Romas need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun for robust growth.
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Plant in warm soil – Wait to transplant until soil temperature is at least 60 Fahrenheit.
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Space properly – Give 18-24 inches between determinate plants for good air circulation.
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Water and fertilize – Provide consistent moisture and nutrition all season.
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Control pests/disease – Prevent and treat issues immediately to avoid stunting plants.
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Prune for productivity – Remove suckers and excess foliage for best fruiting.
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Harvest on time – Pick as soon as fruits fully ripen to keep plants productive.
With excellent care, you can shave 7-10 days or more off the typical Roma tomato ripening timeline.
Indicators That Roma Tomatoes Are Ready to Pick
To enjoy Romas at the peak of flavor and texture, it’s important to harvest them at just the right time. Here are signs fruits are fully ripe:
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Uniformly red/orange color across the fruit. Green areas mean it’s not ripe.
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Smooth, blemish-free skin with a matte finish. Shiny appearance means under-ripe.
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Softening texture but still somewhat firm when gently squeezed.
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Aromatic tomato smell and slightly wrinkled stem end.
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Interior filled with seeds and jelly. Cut a few open to test.
Avoid leaving fruits on the vine too long once fully ripe, as they can crack or rot quickly in rainy weather.
How Long Do Ripe Romas Keep for Use?
Once picked at maturity, ripe Roma tomatoes will keep for 1-2 weeks if stored properly:
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Leave stem attached and handle gently to prevent bruising.
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Place unwashed tomatoes stem-side up in a cool area around 45-55° F.
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Avoid placing in the refrigerator, as cold temps degrade texture and flavor.
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Check frequently and use ripe fruits right away for best quality and taste.
For extended storage, can or freeze your bountiful Roma harvests.
Getting a Big Yield of Romas Each Season
To maximize your backyard Roma tomato crop:
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Grow 2-3 healthy plants per person for fresh eating. Add more if planning to preserve.
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Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Cage or trellis to save space.
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Expect yield averages around 4-5 pounds per plant, depending on variety and care.
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Determinate Roma vines produce most of their fruits over a 2-3 week period for canning/sauce-making.
With proper care focused on promoting vigorous, healthy vines, you can harvest dozens of delicious Romas per plant in about 75-85 days. Time your plantings accordingly and enjoy these versatile tomatoes all season long!
Types of Roma Tomatoes
There are several different varieties of Roma tomatoes, both hybrids and heirlooms and determinate and indeterminate types. They vary in fruit size, days to maturity, disease resistance, and other features.
- It takes 85 days for the heirloom variety “Amish Paste,” which has fruit that isn’t perfectly round, to mature.
- “Granadero” is an indeterminate hybrid that takes 75 days to mature, produces a lot of fruit, and is resistant to fusarium wilt, tomato mosaic virus, and verticillium wilt.
- This well-known paste tomato, San Marzano, is an indeterminate heirloom variety that takes 85 days to mature.
- There is a hybrid tomato called “Plum Regal” that takes 75 days to mature and is resistant to fusarium wilt, late blight, tomato spotted wilt virus, and verticillium wilt.
- “Sunrise Sauce” is a hybrid determinate variety that has orange fruit and takes 57 days to mature. It is resistant to both fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt. The compact plants are especially suitable for container growing.
When to Plant
When to plant depends on where you live, but as a general rule, you should wait until after the last spring frost. The plants, and especially young seedlings, are frost-sensitive. Planting them too early even if there is no more frost can be risky. Also, watch out for cold spells. They might not kill the plant, but they can slow it down and hurt the flower buds or flowers.
Taking your time to properly harden off the seedlings is crucial for a successful tomato season.
Planting Roma Tomatoes The Right Way
FAQ
How long does it take to grow Roma tomatoes?
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Plant Type:
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Annual vegetable
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High
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Exposure:
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Full sun
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6.2-6.5
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Time to Maturity:
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70-80 days
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Well-draining
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Spacing:
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2 feet
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Solanaceae
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Planting Depth:
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Seeds: 1/4 inch
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Solanum
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Do Roma tomatoes need staking?
Will Roma tomatoes keep producing?
How many Roma tomatoes will one plant produce?
How long does it take a Roma tomato to grow?
Roma tomatoes are an heirloom tomato developed by scientists at the USDA in 1955. They take 75 days to produce a harvest. Amish Paste tomatoes are an heirloom tomato believed to have come from an Amish community in Wisconsin in the 1800s. It is indeterminate and takes 80 days to produce a harvest. Roma-type tomatoes are not hard to care for.
When are Roma tomatoes ready to harvest?
Roma tomatoes are typically ready to harvest between 100 and 120 days after seeds are planted or 75 days after seedlings are transplanted. Given that almost all tomato varieties are warm-weather crop with a growing season limited by frost and cold, a lot of care is required to ensure the tomato plant produces fruits throughout summer.
When should I start growing Roma tomatoes?
If you want to grow your Roma tomatoes from seed, you will need to start seeds indoors around 6 weeks to 2 months before the last predicted frost. If you are planning on purchasing tomato seedlings from a plant store or nursery in the spring, you do not need to worry about this!
How do you grow a Roma tomato?
Sow seeds at a depth of about .25″. Ensure you sow several seeds for each plant to increase the likelihood of germination. Thin your Roma tomato seedlings so that plants are 1-2 feet apart, depending on the tomato type. Striking the right balance of sunlight is crucial for a bountiful harvest.