Growing Conditions and Care

• Soil: San Marzano tomatoes prefer fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
• Watering: Water at the base, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce disease risk.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced organic fertilizer when transplanting, then apply high-phosphorus fertilizer once fruit appears.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Trellising and Pruning

• Support: These tall vines need staking or caging to prevent sprawling. Trellising helps maximize airflow and sunlight exposure.
• Pruning: Regularly prune suckers (small shoots growing from the leaf axils) to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

Harvesting

• Ripeness: Harvest when tomatoes reach full red color and have a slight give.
• Method: Use scissors or gently twist to avoid damaging the plant.
• Storage: Store fully ripe tomatoes at room temperature, or for extended storage, keep in a cool, dark area. Refrigerate only after reaching peak ripeness.

Growing Tips for Southern Zones (9-10)

• Extended Season: In zones 9-10, San Marzano tomatoes can often be grown year-round but may require protection from extreme summer heat and winter chill.
• Mulching: In hotter months, mulching and possibly using shade cloth can prevent the soil from overheating.
• Pest Control: Check plants for tomato hornworms and aphids, particularly during warmer months, and remove pests manually or treat with neem oil.
• Companion Planting and Crop Rotation
• Good Companions: Grow with low-lying plants like basil or flowers such as marigold, which deter pests and encourage pollinators.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same soil consecutively to reduce soil-borne diseases.