Lyla Lindsey
Roma tomatoes are a favourite variety of tomatoes to grow in Australia. They are smaller and more oval-shaped than other types of tomatoes and are perfect for cooking or eating raw. They have a thicker fruit wall, fewer seeds, and a denser but more grainy flesh. They also tend to be more firm and are therefore easier to grow than other tomatoes as they are resistant to certain diseases. To grow Roma tomatoes, you need to plant them in full sun in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You should also provide support by staking them up off the ground.
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What You'll Learn
Roma tomatoes are determinate, so the fruit ripens simultaneously
Roma tomatoes are determinate, which means they grow to a certain size (about 1.2-1.5m) and then stop growing. Their fruit ripens simultaneously, usually within a short window of about two weeks. After this, the plants begin to die off and produce no additional fruit. This makes them ideal for canning and making sauces, as a large amount of fruit is produced at once.
Determinate Roma tomatoes are also suitable for those with limited space, as they can be grown in containers. They are more compact and can be grown in pots of 15-20 litres. However, it is important to ensure the pot is not too small, so the plants can access enough water and nutrients.
Determinate Roma tomatoes are typically ready to harvest within two months of planting. They are ripe when they are evenly coloured red and still firm. If colder weather arrives before the fruit is ripe, it is advisable to pick the tomatoes and ripen them indoors.
In contrast, indeterminate tomatoes grow continuously until killed by frost and can reach heights of 2-3m. They produce and ripen new fruit steadily throughout the growing season. These varieties are better for fresh snacking and slicing, as they provide a slow and steady supply of fruit.
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Roma tomatoes are easier to grow than other varieties
Roma tomatoes are a popular variety to grow in Australia. They are a type of paste tomato, which means they have a thick fruit wall, fewer seeds, and dense flesh. This makes them ideal for cooking down into sauces. They are also smaller and more oval-shaped than other varieties, and they have a lower water content.
Another advantage of growing Roma tomatoes is their size. As they are smaller, they can be grown in pots or containers, which is ideal for those with limited garden space. However, it is important to choose a pot that is large enough (at least 15-20 litres) to ensure the plants have access to sufficient water and nutrients.
When growing Roma tomatoes, it is important to follow some key steps. Firstly, they require full sun and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can prepare the soil by adding compost, composted manure, or a soil amendment at least a week before planting. Regular watering is also crucial, and in the absence of rain, they should be watered at least once a week, ensuring that the soil does not dry out.
Overall, Roma tomatoes are a great choice for gardeners in Australia, offering a tasty and productive crop with relatively low maintenance.
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Soil preparation and fertilisation
Tomatoes thrive in relatively loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To achieve this, prepare the soil in your tomato bed by adding compost or a slow-release fertiliser. Many growers use plastic mulch for their tomatoes because it can increase yields, reduce disease, and give you an earlier crop with little or no weeding. However, you can also use leaves, straw, or cardboard as an alternative to prevent weed problems.
If you don't have access to loose, well-drained soil, consider growing your tomatoes in a raised garden bed or pots. You can use a premium potting mix, but for an extra boost, you can make your own mix. Start with a base of coir or shredded coconut husk soaked in liquid kelp and fish emulsion, then add equal parts soil and compost. This blend will create a light and nutritious mix that drains well while retaining water and nutrients.
When planting, choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day. Tomatoes love the sun and do best in full sun, but if you're in a particularly hot area, consider making a "tomato tent" from shade cloth offcuts to prevent sunburn.
To prepare the soil, it's best to start at least one month before planting. Add top-quality compost, pelletised poo, and a nice straw mulch. Ensure the soil drains freely and isn't too heavy or clayey. Tomatoes can be particular about soil pH, so it's ideal to test it before planting. The pH should be between 6.5 and 6.7 to prevent issues like Blossom End Rot. To further prevent Blossom End Rot, add lime or dolomite to your soil a couple of months before planting.
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Planting times and locations
Tomatoes can be grown all year round in tropical and subtropical climates, but they are best grown in autumn and winter during the dry season. In temperate, cool, and cold climates, they should be sown from spring. In frost-free zones, tomatoes can be grown all year round. In temperate climates, the best time to plant tomatoes is from August to November, and in cool climates, it is from September to November.
Tomatoes should be planted in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sun a day. They should be planted in well-drained soil in a garden bed or a pot. If the soil drains poorly, consider growing tomatoes in a raised garden bed or pots. The soil should be relatively loose and rich in organic matter. If you don’t have soil like this, work in some compost, composted manure, or another soil amendment at least a week before planting.
Roma tomatoes are determinate, which means they grow to a certain size and then stop growing. Their fruit ripens at the same time, usually within a short window of about two weeks, and then the plants begin to die. Because of this, many growers plant a first planting of determinate tomatoes as early as possible, then put in a second planting of indeterminate tomatoes 4 to 6 weeks later. The determinate tomatoes will yield a large amount of fruit quickly, after which they stop producing and can be removed to make space for the indeterminate tomatoes.
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How to identify when Roma tomatoes are ripe
Roma tomatoes are smaller, oval, and have a lower water content than other varieties. They are a popular choice for canning, drying, or making tomato paste. While the deep red colour of a tomato is not always a good indicator of its ripeness, there are several other ways to identify when Roma tomatoes are ripe.
First, check the colour. Ripe Roma tomatoes will have a uniform colour, either pale or deep red or green, with no splotches of other colours. The seed package or plant label will often indicate what colour to look out for, as some varieties are paler than others.
Second, examine the skin. Ripe Roma tomatoes will have a shiny, glossy skin, unlike unripe tomatoes, which have a dull, powdery appearance.
Third, assess the texture and feel. Ripe Roma tomatoes will feel tender and supple. Use your index finger to apply gentle pressure to see if the tomato lightly gives to the touch. If it feels hard, like an apple, it is not yet ripe.
Fourth, check the attachment to the vine. Ripe Roma tomatoes will come off the vine easily. You should be able to remove a ripe tomato from the vine with one hand by giving it a slight twist or tug. If you need to use force to pry the tomato off the vine, it is not yet ripe.
Finally, use your sense of smell. Unripe tomatoes have no smell, whereas ripe Roma tomatoes will have a subtle fragrance. You may need to hold your nose close to the tomato to detect its scent, as the foliage of the tomato plant has a strong smell.
It is important to check on your Roma tomatoes daily when they start to ripen, especially in warm, sunny weather, as they may be ready to harvest within a day or two. Additionally, if there is heavy rain in the forecast, it is advisable to pick almost-ripe Roma tomatoes early and let them ripen indoors to prevent them from splitting.
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Frequently asked questions
Spring is a great time to start growing tomatoes in Australia. In tropical and subtropical climates, they can be grown all year round, but are best in autumn and winter. In temperate, cool and cold climates, sow from spring.
Tomatoes do best in relatively loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you don’t have soil like this, work in some compost, composted manure, or another soil amendment a week or more before planting. The soil pH for tomatoes should ideally be between 6.5 and 6.7.
Colour is the best indicator. Once the tomato is red all the way from the bottom to the top, it is ready for picking.
