Field guide
How to grow tomato (paste/roma): planting, care, and harvest guide
Tomato (Paste/Roma) typically reaches first harvest in 70–80 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant tomato (paste/roma) by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — May to June
- USDA Zones 7–8 — April to May
- USDA Zones 9–10 — March to April
- USDA Zones 11–13 — February to March
Companion plants
Good companions: Basil, Carrots, Parsley, French Marigolds
Avoid planting with: Cabbage, Florence Fennel, Potatoes
Harvest
When to pick
- Fruit is deep red, firm, and meaty
- Fruit feels heavy and dense for its size
- Most of the cluster ripens around the same time (determinate habit)
How: Harvest when fully red. Determinate types ripen a large crop over 2-3 weeks, then slow down. Plan for canning/sauce-making around peak harvest.
Storage: Room temp for fresh use. Process quickly for sauces/canning as the big harvest comes all at once.
Common pests and problems
Tomato Hornworm
Signs: Large green caterpillars, defoliation
Control: Hand-pick, Bt spray. Same management as other tomato types.
Blossom End Rot
Signs: Dark sunken spot on fruit bottom — paste types are especially prone
Control: Consistent deep watering is critical. Mulch 3-4 inches. Amend soil with calcium before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which worsen the problem.
Septoria Leaf Spot
Signs: Small dark spots with light centers on lower leaves
Control: Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide.
About this field guide
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