Description
Grow the classic Italian heirloom Costoluto Genovese Tomato, celebrated for its deeply ribbed, rich-red fruits and bold, old-world flavor. This indeterminate variety produces 6–8 oz. meaty tomatoes with thick walls, making them perfect for sauces, slow cooking, or slicing for fresh salads. Known for its balanced sweetness and acidity, Costoluto Genovese delivers an authentic Italian taste that gardeners prize for its history and exceptional flavor. Vigorous vines can reach 6' or more, producing a plentiful harvest of glossy, fire-engine red tomatoes throughout the growing season.
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting and move outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 60°F or higher. Space plants 24–36″ apart and provide full sun for optimal growth. Harvest tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to the touch, or at the “first blush” stage to ripen indoors. Regular picking encourages higher yields and reduces splitting or pest damage. With its classic flavor, hearty texture, and rich color, Costoluto Genovese Tomato is a must-grow for gardeners seeking traditional Italian heirloom excellence.
This packet contains 25 seeds.
Variety Info:
Days to Maturity: 80-90 Days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Type: Indeterminate, Slicing Tomato (Learn more)
Native: Andes
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Dimensions: Vines up to 6' or longer
Variety Info: Fire engine red, flattened fruits with glossy skin and deep ribs weighing 6-8 oz. 'Costoluto Genovese' is an indeterminate type tomato.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info:
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°-90°F.
Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 Days
Seed Depth: 1/4″
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24″ – 36″
Row Spacing: 36″
Thinning: When 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 24″ – 36″
Growing Info:
Harvesting: Costoluto Genovese tomatoes are at the peak of sun-ripened deliciousness when fully red, and have a slight give when gently squeezed. Tomatoes may also be picked at the “first blush” stage, when 50% of the tomatoes' color has begun to change, and ripened at room temperature without decreasing flavor or nutrition. Picking often and early increases yield, and decreases the risk of cracking and pest damage. Ripe fruit left on the vine during rain or watering is more susceptible to splitting. About 1 month before the average first fall frost, clip all blossoms and undersized fruit off the plant, signaling to the plant to ripen what?s left. Pick any unripe fruit before frost, and store them indoors in a single layer away from direct sunlight to ripen.
Special Care: Do not mulch when weather is still cool; the roots of young plants need to be in soil that is warmed by the sun. When the weather warms up and plants are established, mulch to a depth of 2″ or 3″ with a material such as straw, leaves, or compost, to conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, and keep the roots warm.
