Striped Paste Tomato

Start seeds indoors approximately two months before your region's estimated final spring frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in seed starting mix kept consistently moist and warm. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge, and maintain temperatures between 65 and 75°F for sturdy growth.

Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to increasing amounts of direct sunlight and outdoor air. Transplant outdoors once all frost danger has passed and daytime soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Space transplants 18 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.

Harvest Striped Paste Tomato when the fruit is fully colored and slightly soft to gentle pressure, typically 80 to 89 days after transplanting. The striping will be most vibrant when fully ripe, with rich red or pink pigment visible over the yellow base. Pick fruit in the morning once dew has dried, using a gentle twisting motion or clean pruners to avoid damaging the vine. These tomatoes can be harvested at the breaker stage (when the first blush of color appears) and ripened indoors if frost threatens late in the season.

As an indeterminate variety, Striped Paste Tomato benefits from selective pruning of suckers (shoots that form between the main stem and branches) to direct energy into fruit production and improve air circulation. Prune these side shoots when they are small and tender, removing them cleanly at the base. Avoid heavy pruning during the hottest part of summer, as this stresses the plant and can expose ripening fruit to sunscald.