Plum tomatoes, also known as paste tomatoes, are a popular choice for making tomato sauce due to their meaty texture and rich flavor. If you’re looking to grow your own plum tomatoes for sauce-making purposes, you’ll be pleased to know that they typically reach maturity in about 70 to 80 days. This means that from the time you plant the seeds or seedlings, you can expect to start harvesting ripe tomatoes within this time frame.
One advantage of growing plum tomatoes is that they are considered to be determinate varieties. Determinate tomatoes are known for their compact growth habit, which means they tend to stay relatively small and bushy compared to indeterminate varieties. This compact growth habit can be beneficial for gardeners with limited space, as determinate tomatoes require less vertical support and can be easily managed in smaller garden beds or containers.
Additionally, determinate plum tomatoes are highly productive, meaning they produce a large quantity of fruit in a concentrated period of time. Unlike indeterminate tomatoes, which continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost, determinate varieties tend to produce a more abundant harvest within a specific timeframe. This can be advantageous if you prefer to make a big batch of tomato sauce all at once, as you can anticipate a bountiful harvest of plum tomatoes within a relatively short period.
When it comes to caring for your plum tomato plants, it’s important to provide them with the proper growing conditions to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Plum tomatoes thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
To get a head start on the growing season, you can start plum tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm location or use a seedling heat mat to promote germination. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger containers or into your garden beds, spacing them about 2-3 feet apart.
When planting plum tomato seedlings outdoors, be sure to provide support for the plants to prevent them from sprawling on the ground. You can use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants and keep the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and disease. Regularly check the plants for pests and diseases, such as aphids or fungal infections, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.
As the plum tomatoes begin to ripen, you can harvest them by gently twisting or cutting the fruit from the vine. It’s best to harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe, as this is when they will have the best flavor and texture for sauce-making. If you have an abundance of ripe tomatoes all at once, you can store them in a cool, dry place or consider preserving them by canning, freezing, or making tomato sauce right away.
Plum tomatoes typically take about 70-80 days to grow and reach maturity. As determinate varieties, they offer the advantage of a compact growth habit and a concentrated harvest, making them ideal for making a large batch of sauce all at once. By providing the proper growing conditions and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious plum tomatoes for your sauce-making endeavors. Happy gardening!
