Plant Characteristics

Rosso Sicilian is a traditional Italian heirloom tomato that is widely favored by chefs and gardeners for their intricate appearance and versatility. The deep red tomatoes typically weigh between 5-6 ounces each, though some can reach up to 10 ounces. They are characterized by their striking, deeply ribbed, pumpkin-like shape and robust balance of old-world sweetness and mild acidity. The flesh is dense, thick, meaty, and relatively low-seed, which makes it perfect for thick sauces/pastes, roasting, and canning. Biologically an indeterminate variety, some gardeners and retailers classify it as determinate or semi-determinate due to its compact, bushy, and manageable vine habit. It acts as a true indeterminate plant in areas with long, hot summers; it acts as a semi-determinate plant in regions with shorter growing seasons. Plants grow quite tall (4-8 feet) and produce heavy, vigorous vines. Whether grown as a sprawling vine or a bushy plant, staking or caging is required to keep the heavy, deeply ribbed tomatoes off the ground. The tomatoes have thin skin that bruises easily, they should be handled with care and consistently watered to prevent splitting.