Principe Borghese Tomato, Heirloom Seeds

Principe Borghese Tomato, Heirloom Seeds — The Classic Italian Sun-Drying Paste Tomato, Small Plum-Shaped Fruits Born in Clusters, Intensely Meaty With Little Juice, 70–75 Days

Principe Borghese (Solanum lycopersicum) is the tomato Italy has relied on for sun-drying and sauces for generations. Small 1–2 oz plum-shaped fruits with distinctive pointy ends grow in abundant clusters on compact bushy determinate plants 18–36 inches tall. The flesh is intensely meaty with little juice and few seeds — exactly the qualities that make it the gold standard for sun-dried tomatoes, thick sauces, and canning. In dry climates, whole branches can be cut and hung to dry until leathery — the traditional Italian method. Equally excellent fresh. Compact plants suit containers and large hanging baskets as well as garden plots and raised beds. Cold-tolerant enough to germinate at 45°F — earlier outdoor sowing than most tomato varieties. 70–75 days from transplant.

Why Grow Principe Borghese?

• The classic Italian sun-drying tomato — 1–2 oz plum-shaped fruits with pointy ends, born in clusters
• Intensely meaty with little juice and few seeds — ideal for drying, sauces, paste, and canning
• Traditional Italian drying method — hang whole branches to dry in warm, dry conditions until leathery
• Cold-tolerant germination — can germinate at 45°F vs. 50°F for most tomatoes; earlier outdoor start
• Compact bushy determinate — suits containers (14–20” wide), hanging baskets, raised beds, and small plots
• Resistant to various disorders — durable and reliable for Italian kitchen gardeners
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

Sun-drying: Halve fruits, salt lightly, and dry in full sun on screens for 4–6 days, or use a dehydrator at 135°F for 8–12 hours. In dry climates, cut whole branches and hang them until the fruits turn leathery — the classic Italian farm method. Sauces & paste: The meaty, low-moisture flesh cooks down quickly into thick, intensely flavored sauce without the long reduction times of juicier varieties. Canning: Excellent for whole-pack and crushed tomatoes. Fresh: Rich, classic tomato flavor eaten out of hand or sliced in salads.

Growing Notes

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, ¼ inch deep in warm moist seed-starting mix. Germination: 7–10 days. Principe Borghese can be sown outdoors once nights stay above 45°F — earlier than most varieties that require 50°F. Harden off seedlings 3–4 inches tall with 1–2 sets of true leaves before transplanting. Deep planting: Remove all lower leaves and plant with only the top 2 inches and top set of leaves above soil — the buried stem develops additional roots for a stronger plant. Space plants 18–36 inches apart, rows 36 inches apart. Stake or cage for support. For containers, use a pot at least 14–20 inches wide with rich soilless mix. Water 1–2 inches per week. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to favor fruiting. Stagger plantings 1 week apart to extend the concentrated determinate harvest window. Protect from frost with row covers or cloches in northern climates.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.