Tomato Marzano P 4

Tomato Marzano P 4: variety and characteristics

Tomato Marzano P 4 (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual vegetable of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). A compact San Marzano-type tomato variety, suitable for growing in the garden and in larger containers.

The fruits are elongated, meaty and dense inside, which makes them excellent for sauces, cooking and fresh eating.

The variety stands out for a good yield and very good flavour.

The tomato is the king of the vegetable garden; both the summer salad and the winter preserves depend on it. A good variety and healthy seedlings are half of the harvest.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 83%
• Seeds per packet: 99–135 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: January – March; seedlings
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Tomato Marzano P 4

Tomato Marzano P 4 seeds are sown in January – March. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Tomato Marzano P 4

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 50–70 cm between plants, 70–90 cm between rows
• Germination: 6–10 days at 22–26 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow the seeds in a container of light, loose soil mix in March–April, at a depth of about 0.5–1 cm. Keep the temperature at 18–22°C and the moisture constant, without overwatering. After germination, provide more light and ventilation to avoid leggy seedlings. Prick out the plants when the first true leaves form. Harden off the seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outdoors or under a tunnel.

Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot in rich soil. Tall (indeterminate) varieties are tied up and side shoots removed; water infrequently but generously, at the base of the plant, to avoid blight and cracking.

Harvest and use

Pick when the fruit is fully coloured or slightly earlier; tomatoes also ripen further at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

When should Tomato Marzano P 4 be sown?

The recommended sowing months are January – March. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 99–135 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 83%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

When should tomatoes be sown for seedlings?

Seeds are sown 6–8 weeks before planting out, in most regions February–March. Seedlings are moved outdoors when nights are consistently above 10–12 °C.

How deep should tomato seeds be sown?

At 0.5–1 cm, in a light, moist substrate. They germinate in 6–10 days at 22–26 °C.