San Marzano Dwarf Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Dwarf San Marzano Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum): later version of the classic San Marzano, the berry, although it retains the typical shape of the ecotype from which it takes its name, is smaller in size, the pulp is softer and the taste is lighter. It is not suitable for conserves, but it certainly makes an exceptional sauce straight picked right from your balcony (if you take the challenge, the plant loaded with miniature tomatoes is truly a beautiful sight). This ecotype gets to less than 1 mt, it has a bushy habit, does not require trimming (pruning of the axillary shoots) or supports, and does not suffer from apical rot. Perfect for pots, for small sowing beds and for those who are forced to grow in greenhouses, where it adapts well to shorter seasons and takes up very little space without taking away too much from production. The dwarf varieties on our collection come from selections of traditional varieties, they cannot be defined as ancient but they are clearly all reproducible, no F1 hybrids. Sowing from February to June, 80 days from transplanting. Caution: This variety is not only determinate but dwarf.

The development of tomatoes is divided into two categories: determinate, indeterminate and dwarf.

Determinate: the aerial (green) part reaches a height defined by selection, the "vigour" (growth of the leaf apparatus) is limited.

Advantages: it is not necessary to prune the axillary shoots, and needs simpler support, depending on the ecotype, a central one may be enough.

Reduced foliar system means less exposure to fungal diseases, among the most common among tomatoes.

Disadvantages: significantly lower production compared to indeterminate ecotypes. Limited production of females, the axillary shoots that can be transplanted for a longer harvest.

Indeterminate: ecotypes with this characteristic develop a larger aerial part (leaves), sometimes reaching several metres, the biomass produced is notable.

Advantages: massive production, prolonged over time. Possibility of using "femminelle" (axillary shoots) to expand crops.

Disadvantages: require pruning for optimal production, and suitable supports are needed to support the plant.

If they are not treated they are more exposed to fungal diseases.

Dwarf: often clustered, especially in recent years with determinate varieties. They are actually a separate category that has been gaining popularity recently, with numerous new selections appearing. The habit is bushy, the aerial part is dense, the height is very short (between 60 and 80 cm). They do not require support.

Advantages: possibility of growing in small spaces, perfect for pots or small home greenhouses in places where temperatures do not allow outdoor cultivation. Very little maintenance, ordinary interventions after sowing are limited to harvesting: Great aesthetic impact, dwarf plants are highly ornamental.

Disadvantages: normally the berries are smaller in size than the variety from which they were selected, although there are some that reach 500 gr, but the weight will be to the detriment of the number.

Limited production