Tomato - San Marzano

OH. A fabulous tomato with a big story! Want to make a “vera pizza Napoletana” or true Neapolitan Pizza? Try growing these for the sauce. Although, it will not be the genuine San Marzano as this tomato has received so much worldwide recognition for its rich flavour that, similar to French Champagne, a Protected Designation of Origin, or DOP was given in 1996 to genuine San Marzano tomatoes. The DOP San Marzano must be grown it their region of origin in a town by the name of San Marzano sul Sarno. The terroir, volcanic soil and dry climate, of this area produce the San Marzano to perfection. I will note, that our location in Hawke’s Bay has volcanic soil as well as a similar climate to the Mediterranean, so I can only hope our San Marzano’s have a likeness to the flavour of those grown in San Marzano sul Sarno. One source states that the first seed of this tomato came to Campania in 1770, as a gift from the Viceroyalty of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples, and that it was planted in the area of San Marzano sul Sarno. Similar to the Roma tomato, but thinner, longer fruit with thicker walls and less seeds, sweeter flavour with the perfect amount of acidity. Indeterminate in growth habit, giving them a slightly longer growing season to other paste tomatoes. Prolific producer well into the autumn. This variety was gifted to us by our seed saving friend, Jenny Freemantle.

Sow in August into trays in a glasshouse. Keep soil temp at 18-20°C for ideal germination. Prick out when true leaves appear to 4cm diagonal spacing. Pot on to small pots to further develop roots. Transplant after last frost to 40cm diagonal spacing into fertile ground in direct sun. Stake and de-lateral as needed.

15 seeds.