Solanum lycopersicum 'Principe Borghese' is a classic Italian heirloom tomato from the Puglia region, prized for sun-drying due to its meaty texture, few seeds, and low juice content. Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures (75-85°F), typically within 5-14 days with bottom heat and consistent moisture, requiring no pre-treatment. This vigorous, determinate variety is straightforward to propagate from seed and produces abundant small clusters of plum-shaped fruits ideal for drying, sauces, and fresh consumption.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Use a heating mat to maintain soil temperatures of 75-85°F for fastest germination (5-7 days). Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cover seeds with a humidity dome until germination occurs, then remove immediately to prevent fungal diseases. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and press lightly into soil for good contact. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light (14-16 hours daily) and maintain cooler temperatures (60-70°F) to prevent legginess. Remove humidity dome as soon as seedlings appear to reduce damping-off disease risk. Water from below rather than overhead to reduce disease pressure. Transplant into larger containers when the third set of true leaves develops (around 4-6 weeks after germination). Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings by reducing temperature to 60-65°F and decreasing water for 2-3 days.
Sources: Annie's Heirloom Seeds, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Redwood Seeds, Baker Creek Rare Seeds, Fedco Seeds, West Coast Seeds, Lily's Garden Store, Victory Seed Company, Transition Farm
