Solanum lycopersicum 'Amish Paste' is a cherished heirloom paste tomato originating from Wisconsin Amish communities in the 1870s. This indeterminate variety produces large, meaty 8-12 oz fruits ideal for sauces, canning, and fresh eating, with excellent sweet flavor and low seed content. Seeds germinate rapidly in 5-14 days when provided with warm, consistently moist growing conditions at optimal soil temperatures of 75-85°F.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Use a heat mat to maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F for fastest, most uniform germination. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix and keep moist but not waterlogged. Cover with humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain humidity around 70% until germination occurs, which typically takes 5-14 days. Do not provide light during germination; darkness promotes faster sprouting. Once cotyledons emerge (usually 4-10 days), immediately remove humidity dome and place seedlings under bright grow lights providing 14-16 hours daily to prevent leggy growth. After emergence, reduce soil temperature to 60-70°F and reduce humidity to 50-70% to prevent damping-off fungal diseases. Water from below using bottom-watering method rather than overhead to minimize disease risk. Transplant to individual 4-inch pots once first true leaves develop (around 3rd set of leaves). Pot-up using a slightly richer potting soil and fertilize seedlings every 7-10 days with diluted liquid fertilizer. Harden off 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors 6 weeks after seeding, after all frost danger has passed and temperatures remain above 60°F. Bury deep at planting, covering stem up to lowest true leaves for stronger root development.
Sources: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Annie's Heirloom Seeds, Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, Fedco Seeds, Nature & Nurture Seeds, Threshold Seed Company, UJAMAA Seeds, Slow Food USA Ark of Taste, Wikipedia
