Tomato - Speckled Roman

Speckled Roman is an heirloom paste-type tomato known for its elongated, plum-shaped fruits with beautiful red skin streaked in gold. Fruits are meaty with very few seeds, making them ideal for sauces, paste, roasting, and fresh slicing. The flavor is rich, sweet, and well-balanced, and plants are highly productive over a long season. This variety combines old-world looks with excellent kitchen performance and strong garden reliability.

Seed Starting

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost

• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix

• Maintain soil temperature at 70–80°F

• Germination occurs in 5–10 days

Transplanting

• Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed

• Harden off plants for 7–10 days before planting

• Space plants 24–36 inches apart, rows 3–4 feet apart

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

• Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost

• Ideal soil pH: 6.0–6.8

Watering

• Water deeply and consistently at the base of the plant

• Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent soil splash

Support

• Indeterminate growth habit

• Strong staking or caging is recommended due to heavy fruit set

Harvest

• Ready to harvest in 75–85 days from transplant

• Fruits are ripe when deep red with golden striping and slightly soft to the touch

Tips

• Excellent for sauces, paste, and roasting

• Prune lightly for airflow and improved fruit quality

• Consistent watering helps prevent blossom end rot