Growing Roma Tomatoes in Pots the Right Way

Roma tomatoes, also known as Italian or paste tomatoes, are a popular variety perfect for growing in pots. With their meaty flesh and fewer seeds, they are ideal for cooking, canning, and making sauces.

Growing Roma tomatoes in containers is an excellent option for gardeners short on space. With the right conditions, even a small pot on a patio or balcony can produce a bountiful harvest.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about successfully growing Roma tomatoes in pots, from choosing the right container and soil to fertilizing, watering, and troubleshooting common problems.

An Introduction to Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are a determinate variety that grows short and bushy plants compared to climbing indeterminate types. They rarely grow taller than 4 feet, making them well-suited for container gardening.

The oblong-shaped Roma tomatoes have firm flesh with few seeds, which is why they are often called a “paste tomato.” This meatier flesh produces thicker sauces and purées with less liquid, perfect for canning.

With their rich, tangy flavor, Roma tomatoes are just as delicious eaten fresh in salads or sandwiches. A single healthy plant can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit throughout the season!

Here are some fast facts about Roma tomatoes:

• Originated in Italy, hence the name “Roma” tomatoes
• Also called Italian plum or paste tomatoes
• Determinate bush variety typically growing 2-4 feet tall
• Oblong shape, about 2-3 inches long
• Meaty, dense flesh with few seeds
• Mild sweet flavor, not overly acidic
• Medium maturity around 75 days
• Excellent for cooking, canning, and making sauce

Roma tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, producing earlier crops than other large slicing varieties. Their compact size also makes them an ideal choice for container gardening.

Choosing Roma Tomato Varieties

Roma tomatoes belong to a class known as plum or paste tomatoes. They are oblong in shape with firm flesh and few seeds. There are many excellent roma varieties suited to growing in pots:

• Saucy Lady Hybrid – Heavy yielding 3-4 oz fruits ideal for slicing and sauces. Bright red skin and sweet, balanced flavor.
• Better Boy – A longtime favorite that produces impressive yields on compact plants. Great for containers.
• Sunrise Sauce – A striking bi-colored orange roma suited to pots. Matures quickly in just 60 days.
• Heinz – The classic paste tomato prized for sauces and canning. Meaty texture perfect for cooking.
• Plum Regal – A disease resistant, high-yielding roma good for beginners.
• San Marzano – The premier pasta sauce tomato, also excellent for canning and roasting.

Choosing the Right Container

Almost any container with drainage holes in the bottom can be used to grow roma tomato plants. Larger pots are ideal, but plants can even thrive in 5-gallon buckets!

Consider the following when selecting a container:

• Size – For determinate roma tomatoes, choose at least a 10-15 gallon container per plant. This gives roots ample room to develop.
• Material – Plastic, resin, terracotta, wood and more all work well. Avoid unglazed terra-cotta that absorbs water.
• Drainage – Holes in the bottom are a must to prevent soil from getting waterlogged.
• Weight – Make sure pots are light enough to move, or placed securely on a dolly or plant stand.
• Color – Dark colors absorb heat while light colors stay cooler. Consider this when placing containers.

For a single roma tomato plant, a 15-gallon plastic or resin planter is often ideal. These provide sufficient space for roots while still remaining relatively lightweight if they need to be moved.

Use larger containers or tubs for multiple roma tomato plants, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. This allows ample air circulation and room for stems to spread.

The Best Soil for Container Tomatoes

To grow their best, roma tomato plants need nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Standard potting mix from the garden center is usually sufficient, especially when mixed with compost.

Here are some tips for the best potting mix:

• Use a high-quality potting soil as the base. This provides drainage and aeration.
• Mix in compost like worm castings or composted manure. This adds nutrients and retains moisture.
• Consider adding perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration. About 25% is ideal.
• Test soil pH and amend if needed. Tomatoes prefer a pH between 6-7.
• Avoid using soil from the garden, as this can be dense and drain poorly in containers.

When transplanting seedlings, fill containers nearly to the top with soil mix, leaving just 1-2 inches from the rim. Roma tomatoes have a shallow root system and require ample soil depth.

How to Plant Roma Tomatoes in Pots

1. Start Seeds

Many gardeners prefer to start roma tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in seed starting mix. Keep soil moist and provide plenty of light.

Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into larger 3-4 inch pots. Gradually move them outdoors to harden off for 7-10 days before transplanting into a container.

When to plant: About 2 weeks after the last expected frost when soil temps reach 60°F.

Where to plant: In a sunny location protected from strong wind. Avoid reflected heat from pavements.

2. Use Transplants

For faster harvests, use transplants from the garden center instead of seeds. Look for short, stocky plants without flowers or fruit set. This indicates a younger plant that will establish better.

Very gently remove transplants from pots, being careful not to disturb roots. Plant at the same depth it was growing in its container. Water well after planting.

When to plant: After the danger of frost has passed when overnight temps stay above 50°F.

Where to plant: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Proper spacing is also important when planting multiple roma tomato plants per container. Allow 18-24 inches between plants to prevent crowding and competition for nutrients.

Staking or caging roma tomato plants helps maximize vertical space when planting in close quarters.

Caring for Container Roma Tomatoes

Caring for Roma tomatoes in pots takes some attention, but rewarding your efforts with delicious tomatoes. Here are the keys to keeping Patio Romas thriving:

Watering

Frequent watering is crucial, especially as plants grow and fruit develops. Check soil moisture daily, watering when the top inch becomes dry. Provide at least 1-2 inches of water each week. Consider setting up drip irrigation on a timer to ensure consistent moisture.

Water at the base of plants, not from overhead. Avoid wetting tomato foliage, which can promote disease. Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Sunlight

Place containers where plants will get at least 6-8 hours of direct sun for best growth and production. Dappled shade in the hottest afternoons is appreciated. Turn pots regularly for even sun exposure.

Temperature

Romas thrive in warm summer temperatures around 70-80°F. Use strategies like moving containers to sheltered spots or covering them with row cover to protect them from cold snaps. Avoid extreme heat over 90°F.

Fertilizer

Apply a water-soluble tomato fertilizer every 2-3 weeks according to label rates. Look for formulas higher in phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen. Organic options like fish emulsion also work well.

Support

Romas will need staking or cages to support their growth and fruit weight. Install these supports at planting time to avoid damaging root systems later. Prune plants to 1-2 main stems and train them up supports.

Pollination

Help pollination by gently shaking plants to distribute pollen. Avoid spraying plants with pesticides during bloom time. Container culture already limits exposure to natural pollinators.

Pay close attention to your plant’s needs throughout the season. Prune diseased foliage immediately, and be vigilant about pests like aphids, hornworms, and cutworms. Keeping your container Roma plants healthy is the key to a big harvest.

When to Harvest Roma Tomatoes

One of the best parts of growing Romas is enjoying the fruits of your labor! Here’s how to collect ripe tomatoes at their flavorful best:

• Check plants daily once fruit begins coloring up. Pick as soon as tomatoes reach full color.
• Gently twist tomatoes to separate from the vine instead of pulling to avoid damaging plants.
• Use scissors or pruners for a clean break from the stem. Leave the calyx attached.
• Avoid bruising tomatoes by handling them gently and not tossing them into buckets.
• Pick uniformly ripe tomatoes, leaving any green ones to continue ripening. They won’t improve off the vine.
• Bring picked tomatoes out of the sun immediately to prevent

To retain the best flavor, harvest Roma tomatoes when fully ripe. The dense flesh means they ship and store well without bruising easily.

Use pruners or gardening shears for a clean break from the vine when harvesting. Be careful not to damage other fruits or stems in the process.

Roma tomato plants will continue producing prolifically all season long. Expect around 10 lbs of fruit from each healthy potted plant.

Troubleshooting Common Tomato Problems

Growing roma tomatoes in containers makes them more susceptible to certain issues, but problems can usually be avoided with proper care:

• Blossom drop – This is caused by temperature fluctuations or inconsistent watering. Maintain even moisture and consistent temps.
• Cracking – Fluctuations in soil moisture levels lead to cracking. Water container plants regularly to keep soil moisture stable.
• Wilting – If leaves severely wilt, the plant is water-stressed. Check soil moisture and water plants immediately.
• Leaf curl – Often a sign of disease, this can also be caused by underwatering. Rule out drought stress before diagnosing disease.
• Slow growth – Insufficient sunlight leads to leggy, weak growth. Ensure containers have at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
• No fruit set – Poor pollination from lack of air circulation or too much nitrogen. Space containers appropriately and reduce high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Tips for Maximizing Yields

With the proper care, a single potted Roma tomato plant can provide bountiful harvests. Here are some tips to maximize your container tomato yield:

• Start plants 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost from seed, or buy transplants.
• Use the largest container size possible, at least 10 gallons per plant.
• Use stakes or cages to support plants and lift fruits off the ground.
• Prune suckers to keep plants focused on ripening fruits, not new growth.
• Consistently water container plants as needed, at least 1-2 times per week.
• Situate containers where they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a soluble tomato fertilizer once flowering begins.
• Harvest ripe fruits frequently to promote ongoing production. The more you pick, the more the plant produces!

Wrapping up!

Now that you know how to grow roma tomatoes in containers, you can look forward to an abundant harvest this season. Pay close attention to sunlight, soil moisture, and fertilization. Stake or cage plants for support once fruits start ripening. Then relax and enjoy those delicious vine-ripened romas!