Costoluto Fiorentino

Costoluto Fiorentino is an Italian heirloom tomato variety known for its distinctive, ribbed and flattened shape. The name "Costoluto" means "ribbed" in Italian, while "Fiorentino" refers to the region of Florence, Italy, where the tomato is said to have originated.

 

The Costoluto Fiorentino tomato is medium-sized, typically weighing between 6 to 12 ounces (170 to 340 grams). The fruit has a slightly irregular, oblate shape with deep ribbing that extends from the stem to the blossom end. The skin is firm and slightly rough, with a deep red color and some greenish-yellow streaks near the stem. The flesh is meaty, juicy, and has a complex, sweet and slightly tart flavor.

 

Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes are generally considered to be a mid-to-late season variety, with a long growing period of around 80 to 85 days. They are best grown in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil and regular watering. They are often used in Italian cuisine, particularly for sauces, salads, and pasta dishes.

 

In terms of nutrition, Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to several health benefits.

 

Seeds per pack: 20

• Soil: Choose a location with well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for tomatoes is between 6.0 and 6.8.

• Sunlight: Tomatoes require full sun to grow and produce fruit, so choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Planting: Start your Costoluto Fiorentino seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Space the plants 18-36 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.

• Watering: Tomatoes need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply once or twice a week, making sure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilizing: Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it's important to provide them with regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time, and then switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer once the plants start setting fruit.

• Pruning: Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes can become quite bushy, so it's a good idea to prune them to encourage air circulation and prevent disease. Pinch off the suckers that form in the crotch between the main stem and side branches, and remove any leaves that touch the ground.

• Pest and disease control: Watch for common tomato pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, and treat them with insecticidal soap or bacillus thuringiensis. Keep an eye out for diseases like early blight and blossom end rot, and take preventive measures like using mulch and avoiding overhead watering.