Rio Grande Tomato seed produces high yields of large red pear-shaped tomatoes. They are thick and meaty, with a flavor that is mildly sweet with a little of that old-fashioned tart tomato flavor. One of the best paste tomatoes to grow in hot climates and will withstand extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. An excellent choice for beginner gardeners. Highly disease resistant.
The Rio Grande comes from the Italian strain of paste tomatoes. The University of California developed this variety to thrive in hot, humid weather; the USDA received the final product in 1994. Gardeners in southern regions appreciate this excellent tomato as one of the best paste tomatoes available for hot climates.
Any tomato can be used for making a sauce but starting with paste tomatoes will mean less time reducing them down on the stove. Paste tomatoes like the Rio Grande have denser, drier flesh and fewer seeds, making them meaty, thick, and ready to turn into a rich sauce. Rio Grande tomatoes are flavorful enough to do double duty as fresh-eating tomatoes.
Rio Grande tomato seeds produce well and can withstand changes in temperature. They are generally used for preserving but are also wonderful straight off the vine. This variety grows 6 Oz tomatoes in about 80 days. Indeterminate.
Sowing of Rio grande Tomato seed
Start these Rio Grande tomato seeds for sale indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sowing the seeds in a flat 1/4″ deep and 1″ apart. Keep the temperature at 70-75 degrees F until germination, as well as provide adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to grow strongly rooted plants. A week before planting the seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them; tomatoes cannot endure cold weather, and should not be transplanted outside until all threat of frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. Space the plants 2′ apart. For companion planting benefits, plant heirloom tomato seeds with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them with cabbage or tomatoes.
Harvesting of Rio Grande tomatoes
Test the ripeness of tomatoes by pressing them gently; the flesh should yield slightly. The mature color also indicates ripeness. If the stem does not come easily off the vine, cut it with scissors. Vine-ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, but as soon as frost comes, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will ripen eventually if kept in a warm place out of direct sunlight.
Benefits of planting Rio Grande tomato seed
- Rio Grande tomato seeds ensure the genetic and physical purity of the crops.
- Gives desired plant population.
- These seeds are more vigorous, fast-growing, and can resist pest and disease incidence to a certain extent.
- They respond well to added fertilizer and other inputs.
- Development of root system will be more efficient than aiding the absorption of nutrients efficiently and result in higher yield
To get the most out of Rio Grande tomatoes:
- – Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting
- – Space plants 18-36 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart
- – Use mulch and drip irrigation to conserve soil moisture
- – Prune lower leaves and stems to focus energy on fruits
- – Stake/cage plants to prevent disease and sunscald
- – Control pests and diseases promptly and organically
For maximum yields of flavorful Rio Grande tomatoes this season, order your seeds from Farmsquare today! Let me know if you need any other growing tips.
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