Tomato, San Marzano illustration 🍅

Tomato, San Marzano Growing Guide

Solanaceae family — San Marzano varietal

Days to Harvest80 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination6-14 days
HardinessTender
Germ. Temp80°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost

Companion Planting

Avoid Planting Near

PotatoesFennelCornKohlrabi

Growth Stages

  1. Seedling
  2. Vegetative Growth
  3. Flowering
  4. Fruiting / Harvest Ready

Planting Dates by Zone

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplantDirect SowHarvest
Zone 1aApr 13Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 1bApr 13Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 2aApr 3May 29Aug 2
Zone 2bApr 13Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 3aApr 10Jun 5Aug 9
Zone 3bApr 3May 29Aug 2
Zone 4aMar 24May 19Jul 23
Zone 4bMar 20May 15Jul 19
Zone 5aMar 17May 12Jul 16
Zone 5bMar 17May 12Jul 16
Zone 6aMar 17May 12Jul 16
Zone 6bMar 4Apr 29Jul 3
Zone 7aMar 4Apr 29Jul 3
Zone 7bFeb 27Apr 24Jun 28
Zone 8aFeb 22Apr 19Jun 23
Zone 8bFeb 8Apr 5Jun 9
Zone 9aFeb 6Apr 3Jun 7
Zone 9bJan 27Mar 24May 28
Zone 10aJan 9Mar 6May 10
Zone 10bDec 17Feb 11Apr 17
Zone 11aDec 17Feb 11Apr 17
Zone 11bDec 4Jan 29Apr 4
Zone 12aNov 20Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 12bNov 20Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 13aNov 20Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 13bNov 20Jan 15Mar 21

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Tomato, San Marzano?

Tomato, San Marzano takes approximately 80 days from planting to harvest.

How much sun does Tomato, San Marzano need?

Tomato, San Marzano requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).

How far apart should I plant Tomato, San Marzano?

Plant Tomato, San Marzano at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.

Can Tomato, San Marzano survive frost?

Tomato, San Marzano is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.

What are good companion plants for Tomato, San Marzano?

Good companion plants for Tomato, San Marzano include Garlic, Asparagus, Basil, Carrots, Marigolds, Peppers, Onions. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Fennel, Corn, Kohlrabi.

How long does Tomato, San Marzano take to germinate?

Tomato, San Marzano seeds germinate in 6-14 days at an optimal temperature of 80°F.

When should I start Tomato, San Marzano seeds indoors?

Start Tomato, San Marzano seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.

Growing Tips

Common Pests & Diseases

Harvest Notes

Harvest when deep red and slightly soft. Perfect for whole canning or sauce. Thick, meaty walls and low moisture mean less cooking time.

Plan Your Tomato, San Marzano Garden

Track Tomato, San Marzano from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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