Bought some new paste /sauce type tomatoe seed
today. I usually grow Roma, but found some called
San Marsano, does anyone know about these and how good they are? I make my own sauce and paste.
Also found a pack of Roma VF, can someone tell me what is the VF?

Superior paste type tomato resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts.

John / Ecologicals

Hi, There is a San Marzano variety, is that what you have?? The Marzano variety is suppose to be very good for canning, paste, etc. There is also a Super Marzano VFNT Hy.. The letters after the names is what that plant is resistant too. I have grown the Roma VF and was very pleased with them, they produced well. I hope this helps.
Angelswings

These tomato packs also did not state hybred, If I like them I want to save the seed. Will I have success with them next year?

Hi, If they are not a Hy. then yes you can save them but they will probably cross with other tom. varieties you are growing. It maybe interesting to see what comes up next year : )

I grew San Marzanos about 20 years ago and as I remember, they were great for sauce, etc. I had a bumper crop, very little insect damage and they seemed to be pretty disease resistant. They also pureed nicely and had fine taste. I think you'll like them! Good luck.

I've grown San Marzano for the past 2 years now, and have been extremely happy with them! They are much better than any Romas I ever grew (don't even bother planting Romas anymore, BTW). The San Marzanos are larger, more meaty, have less seeds, and a great flavor! I like to can homemade salsa, and these hold up very well in those recipes too. Oh, and they are an heirloom, or OP, so you could save seeds successfully. Actually, this year will be my first attempt at seed saving ... I've got a lot to learn about preventing cross-pollination and collecting seed etc ... but look forward to that new dimension of gardening!

I also have grown the plum/paste tomato variety called Viva Italia, another good one ... but it's a hybrid. This year I'm trying the heirloom Amish Paste, heard that's a good choice for canning sauces and such, so we'll see?

hay Patty, Let me know about your Viva Italia.
If you're going to save seed and have enough I,m intersted. Thanks

Hi again!
About the Viva Italias ...
Yes! I'll be happy to send you some seeds, and right away if you like? I only have 8 seeds left in the packet I bought last year, I've already planted mine so they are extras. I can easily pick up more at the feed store for you too. Or ... if you have a source near you that sells N K Lawn & Garden seeds, that's the company name on the label. The Viva Italias are a hybrid, so I don't plan to bother saving seeds. And, LOL ... here I said I don't bother with Romas anymore, but read the description for the Vivas just now and it says ... "An improved ROMA type tomato with delicious, flavorful fruits that sets well in hot weather. Determinite plants are highly disease resistant (VFN)" Anyway ... I liked em!

Soooo ... if you're still interested, just let me know your mailing address ... you can email me at Chenickova@aol.com
Have a blessed day!
Patty )