Giant San Marzano ‘Redorta’ is a magnificent heirloom tomato from Bergamo, Italy, named after Mount Redorta in the hills above the city where Franchi Sementi has been based since 1783. This is the larger, meatier cousin of the classic San Marzano, with fruits reaching an impressive 350g. Dense flesh, very few seeds, and low water content make it the ultimate cooking tomato for Irish gardeners who want real homemade passata.
As an indeterminate (cordon) variety, Redorta produces a continuous harvest of large, elongated fruits throughout the season. The rich, complex flavour with balanced sweetness and gentle acidity is ideal for passata, slow-cooked sauces, and sun dried tomatoes.
ðą Sowing: February to April (indoors)
âïļ Light: Full sun, sheltered south facing position
ð§ Water: Deep and consistent at the base, avoid foliage
ðĄïļ Germination: 7 to 14 days at 18 to 24°C
ð Height: Up to 180 cm (cordon), space 50 to 60 cm
âģ Harvest: Approx 80 to 90 days from transplanting
ðŋ Growing tips for Ireland Start seeds early indoors in February or March with a heated propagator. Irish summers are shorter, so every extra week counts with large fruited tomatoes. Harden off carefully before transplanting after last frost (late May in most of Ireland).
Plant deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage a stronger root system. Remove side shoots regularly and feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser once the first fruits set. In a cool summer, remove leaves below the lowest truss to improve air circulation and focus energy on ripening. A polytunnel or south facing wall gives the best results in Irish conditions.
