roma tomato seeds

Roma tomatoes are a great plants to grow at home in an edible garden. 

Here are some of the reasons I like to grow them:

  • Its a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants and fiber.
  • They improve the flavor of various dishes and offer nutritional benefits.
  • They can be grown in various spaces, including pots, making them ideal for urban gardening.
  • Its a number of ways to conserve it like, sun-dried, in sauces, fermented, powdered in spice or as dry soup ingredient.

If you want to protect the young plants from garden pests like slugs, its smart to start from seeds indoors.

roma tomato seedling grown in window

Follow this guide to find out how to start and grow roma tomatoes from seeds.

You can actually start growing with tomato seeds from the store, the ones you would use for cooking normally.

For higher germination rates and stronger plants, it’s better to purchase seeds from a reputable seed company. This incurs a bit more cost initially, but after the first season, you can use your own seeds, giving you free tomato seeds indefinitely.

Non-GMO, heirloom seeds produce robust, productive plants in full sun that yield luscious tomatoes in about 70-85 days. They’re easy to grow with included instructions, thriving well in USDA zones 3-9.

roma tomato seeds

The compact, prolific vines thrive in gardens or containers, making them versatile for any growing space. Each packet includes clear instructions for planting, care, and even saving seeds for future seasons. Rated 4.3 out of 5 by over 200 users, these seeds are a reliable choice for gardeners.

At $4.49 today, you can find the Survival Garden Seeds Roma Tomato Packet on Amazon.

This is my typical procedure when growing from seed:

Tray Seeding

Start by filling the cells of your growing tray with a seed-starting mix—a lightweight soil that provides the right conditions for seeds to sprout. Gently place one or two tomato seeds into each cell, pressing them about a quarter-inch deep into the soil.

Grow Medium

I prefer compressed coco coir blocks for germinating seeds. This provides an easy-to-use growing medium ready at any time.

coco coir blocks

Check Amazon here for latest prices.

I use these easy-to-use 12-cell trays for germinating:

germination trays

Right now, you can get a 5-pack for $11.99 at Amazon, and you can check the latest prices and buy the trays here.

 After planting, lightly mist the soil with water using a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place the lid on the tray to maintain humidity, which speeds up germination.

LED grow lights are cost-effective for lighting if you’re unable to use a windowsill or grow outside in the summer.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Transform your indoor garden with Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lights designed to replicate natural sunlight and boost photosynthesis. The lights come with a robust clamp and flexible gooseneck, allowing effortless adjustments. You can manage the setup with the Power button, toggling between tubes or using them solo, adjust brightness across 10 levels with the Dimmer button, and schedule light durations of 5, 10, or 15 hours using the Timer feature.

LED grow light

Order the Bloom Lume grow light at Amazon here

The time to plant out the seedlings in the garden or greenhouse is in the spring when the risk of frost is gone.

You can check your hardiness zone and learn more about when to start growing in different zones by using this simple tool. Find the exact hardiness zone for your location by entering your zip code here:


If you live in a area with short season, its best to grow in a greenhouse.

Roma tomatoes growing in greenhouse
Roma tomatoes growing in greenhouse

Greenhouse Growing

Imagine extending your growing season and harvest fresh plants into the cold season.

When the growing seasons are short and weather can be unpredictable, utilizing a greenhouse allows for a controlled environment. This promotes better growth , protects plants from harsh weather, and can enable earlier planting. Greenhouses also  maximizes the growing season.

The beautiful Howe 8x12x7,5 FT Greenhouse shown on the images are right now priced at $1,199.


Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2

Don’t miss out on getting the best value—check out the latest price and see how affordable growing year-round can be.

Check the latest price for the HOWE greenhouse on Amazon.

The Importance of Good Soil

Before starting to grow, it’s essential to assess the condition of the soil in your garden. The best soil is a blend of mineral-rich dirt and organic matter. In my garden, I compost as much as possible to enrich the soil with nutrients. I use both hot composting for food scraps and cold composting for organic garden waste.

If you don’t have the time or space to compost, you can purchase compost from Amazon, local garden centers or use community composting programs. Learn more about community composting here: Learn more about community composting here.

Where I live I get a large tax refund every year for composting may own organic waste. Due to this saving I was able to break even on the cost at only two year use. I recommend you to check with your local government if you can receive any tax refund.

Optimal Conditions for Growth

  • Soil Quality: Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, to promote healthy growth.
  • Watering: Maintain consistent moisture without over-saturating the soil; this is crucial during germination and early growth stages.
  • Temperature: Ideal germination occurs at temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Ensure that the environment remains warm to encourage seed sprouting.
  • Sunlight: Ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.

Steps to Successfully Start from Seeds

  1. Timing: Begin sowing the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your area’s last frost date. This allows the seedlings to establish before being transplanted outdoors.
  2. Sowing: Plant seeds in seed trays or pots, covering them lightly with soil to a depth of about 1/4 inch. This depth is ideal for ensuring proper light exposure and moisture retention.
  3. Moisture Management: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle can help maintain humidity without oversaturating the soil.
  4. Seedling Care: Once seedlings appear, reduce watering slightly to prevent root rot. Ensure they receive adequate light to promote strong, healthy growth.
  5. Transplanting: After the last frost, transplant seedlings outdoors, burying the main stem deeply to promote additional root growth. This technique helps the plant establish a stronger foundation.

More growing Tips

Key Information at a Glance

InfoDetails
  
Growing Duration70-90 days from transplanting to harvest
Expected Yield10-20 pounds per plant, depending on care and conditions
FertilizationUse a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.

Fertilizer

10-10-10 fertilizer is a powerhouse blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen fuels lush, green foliage; phosphorus strengthens roots and blooms; while potassium boosts the plant’s vitality and resilience. This balanced mix ensures robust growth and thriving plants.

Check latest prices for the Triple 10 fertilizer on Amazon

Common Issues and Solutions

IssueSymptomsSolution
Blossom End RotDark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit.Ensure consistent watering and calcium availability in the soil.
Leaf CurlLeaves curl upwards or downwards.Check for pests or environmental stress; adjust watering and nutrients.
Fungal DiseasesYellowing leaves, spots, or wilting.Apply fungicides and ensure good air circulation around plants.
Pest InfestationVisible insects or damage to leaves and fruit.Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

Image Gallery

Supports

  • Trellising: Install trellises or cages to support tall tomato varieties. This not only helps the plants grow upright but also reduces the risk of disease.
  • Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow and reduce competition for nutrients.

Storage Tips

MethodDescription
StorageStore at room temperature away from direct sunlight for optimal flavor.
CanningFor long-term storage canning is a smart way to preserve
FreezingFreeze whole or make them into sauces for later use.
Homemade KetchupBlend cooked tomatoes with vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a delicious homemade ketchup.
Sundried Slice and dry them in the sun or a dehydrator; store in oil or airtight containers.
SauceCook down tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs to create a versatile tomato sauce.
Spiced  PasteReduce tomatoes with spices like basil, oregano, and garlic to create a concentrated paste.
JamCook with sugar and lemon juice to create a sweet and savory jam.
Pickled Preserve whole or sliced tomatoes in vinegar with spices for a tangy snack.( this si also a smart way to use the green unripe also..)
Roasted Roast with olive oil and herbs; freeze or use immediately in dishes.

Pros and Cons of the Roma type

ProsCons
High yield Requires a long growing season, which may not suit all climates.
Rich flavor that enhances culinary dishes.Vulnerable to pests and diseases, demanding constant vigilance.
Easy to grow from seeds with proper care.Needs staking or support as they grow tall and heavy with fruit.
A culinary king, perfect for both fresh bites and delicious dishes.Thrives best in unique soil conditions for vibrant growth.

BeeJay

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