San Marzano tomatoes

First grown 250 years ago in the rich volcanic soil around Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of Plum tomatoes and were cultivated to perfection to become the gourmet tomato for culinary artists. Incredibly sweet flavor unlike any other, San Marzano tomatoes are a renowned cooking tomato commonly used for sauce and ideal for roasting. Rich in vitamins A and K, this juicy bite-size morsel benefits eyesight and strengthens bones. Sweet flavor and low acidity make San Marzano tomatoes perfect for fresh or canned sauce—and worth the splurge if you’re making spaghetti sauce from scratch!

Sun Exposure

• Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH

• 6.0 to 6.8
• fertile, well-drained

Hardiness Zones

• 5 to 10

Spacing

• plant 3 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation

Moisture

• Water 1-2 inches per week
• Consistent moisture keeps fruit from cracking and encourages deep roots

Notes

• Thicker tomato wall and skin
• Fewer seeds
• Less acidity and sweet flavor
• Firm pulp with deep red color
• Low moisture and water content
• Great for sauces, canning, and grilling

Have you ever tried growing San Marzano tomatoes? Are there any challenges you face growing San Marzano tomatoes? Please tell us your best tips for growing San Marzano tomatoes.