Rio Grande, Tomato Seeds

Rio Grande Tomato Seed

Heat-tolerant plants produce heavily in hot climates
Blocky pear-shaped tomatoes reach roughly four inches
Deep red paste fruit offers versatile kitchen use
Large harvests support sauce, juice, and preserving projects

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Solanum lycopersicum

Days to maturity

77 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About Rio Grande, Tomato Seed, Tomato Seed

The Rio Grande Tomato produces a huge harvest of popular pear shaped, paste type of tomatoes that will thrive in hot climates! This tomato variety produces large, deep red 4 inch long blocky tomatoes that are favored for its versatility. The Rio Grande is a great tomato for sauce or juice.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/16"

Days to Germination

5–10 days

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Row Spacing

32-48"

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer, Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Determinate

Type

GRAPE TOMATOES

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

9,500

Color

Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Prepare for Tomato by selecting a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Start tomato seed indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected spring frost, maintaining about 70–80°F until germination. After emergence, provide strong light and slightly cooler conditions to produce sturdy seedlings. Harden plants gradually and transplant after frost danger has passed and soil is at least 60°F. Set nongrafted transplants deeply; keep graft unions above the soil.

Watering

Provide 1–1½ inches of water weekly, keeping moisture consistent during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level to reduce fruit splitting, blossom-end rot, and foliage disease.

Fertilizer

Side-dress with a balanced vegetable fertilizer after plants establish and again when fruit begins forming. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Harvesting

Harvest tomatoes when fruit reaches its expected size and full variety color and feels firm with a slight give. Twist gently or cut the stem to avoid damaging vines. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.

Tips

Install cages or stakes before plants become large, and mulch after the soil warms. Avoid aggressive pruning on determinate varieties. Protect blossoms from temperature extremes, which can reduce fruit set.

Pests & Diseases

Early and late blights, Septoria leaf spot, bacterial spot or canker, Fusarium and Verticillium wilts, and viruses affect tomatoes. Choose resistant varieties, rotate nightshades, mulch against soil splash, and stake plants. Remove incurably wilted or mosaic plants; discard fruit with expanding lesions rather than composting it.

Watch for hornworms, aphids, flea beetles, cutworms, and whiteflies. Inspect leaf undersides, handpick large caterpillars, use collars around young plants, and encourage beneficial insects before applying a labeled treatment.