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The Best All Purpose Tomato You Can Grow – In Gardens, Or Containers!

When it comes to singling out the best all purpose tomato to plant, for us, there is one tomato that stands above all the rest.

And that is saying a lot, because we certainly grow quite a few delicious heirloom tomato varieties. In fact, between our garden and container plantings, usually upwards of 20 or more different tomatoes.

But although we love our Brandywine, Black Krim, Purple Cherokee and other tasty heirlooms, it is the San Marzano tomato that tops the list.

Check out our podcast episode on How To Grow The Best Tomatoes On The Block!

It is quite simply, the most versatile, productive, flavor-filled tomato we grow. And as you’ll see below, there are so many incredible reasons why it is truly the best all purpose tomato around!

The Best All Purpose Tomato You Can Grow – The San Marzano

Amazing Versatility & Flavor

Let’s start off with the San Marzano’s incredible flavor, and it’s many culinary uses.

best all purpose tomato
The San Marzano is perfect for making fresh pico and salsa.

The San Marzano falls into the category of a paste tomato. That makes it perfect for making homemade salsa, pico de gallo, pasta sauce, pizza sauce and more.

And with a high acid content, it is excellent for canning too. We use it to can diced and stewed tomatoes, or run it through our tomato strainer to easily remove the skins and small seed core for sauce, soups and more. (Product Link: Tomato Strainer)

homemade salsa
One of our favorites, homemade salsa!

But the San Marzano is so much more than just a paste tomato. It is thick, meaty, and full of rich flavor. And with a tiny seed core, it is wonderful for slicing for salads and fresh eating too.

Even better, this incredible all purpose tomato holds up well to high heat. It is one of our favorites to skewer for grilling up fresh veggies from the garden.

Grows Anywhere

Beyond its amazing flavor and many uses, another great feature of the San Marzano is that it thrives in nearly any growing situation.

Whether that be in a traditional garden, in raised beds, or raised rows. And, even in containers and pots too!

best tomato plant
One of our San Marzano tomato plants growing early in the season last year.

The San Marzano grows fairly compact for an heirloom. Most of our plants top out at 30 to 36″ in height, making them excellent for container growing.

Each year, along with our garden planted San Marzanos, we plant a few in our decorative 5 gallon bucket planter boxes to have on the patio. That way, we have quick access to fresh tomatoes for salads, sandwiches – and the grill!

Patio Tomatoes
One of our patio plants in mid-season. The San Marzano is excellent as a container plant.

Highly Productive – All Summer Long!

Last but not least, the San Marzano all purpose tomato is a powerhouse in productivity! Affiliate Seed Link – San Marzano Seeds

As an indeterminate variety, it continues to produce a steady supply of 4 to 6 oz. tomatoes all summer long. Just how many? For us, it usually works out to more than a bushel or more per plant!

San Marzano
Just one more reason the San Marzano is the best all-purpose tomato plant – it’s produces a steady supply of 4 to 6 oz. tomatoes all season long!

The San Marzano is also an easy tomato to plant and grow. The compact nature makes it easy to support with smaller stakes or cages, and for harvesting as well. See : The Perfect Way To Plant Tomatoes

It really is one amazing tomato, and one we certainly would be lost without. Here is to adding the best all purpose tomato to your garden this year, and being rewarded with a bounty of flavorful. More and more garden centers carry it each year in their collection. It can also of course be ordered and grown via seed as well.

Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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