Tomato, Costoluto Genovese
Best heirloom variety for home gardeners seeking unique flavor.
This Italian heirloom tomato, _Solanum lycopersicum_, is celebrated for its wildly ribbed appearance and sweet, scrumptious flavor, making it a unique addition to any garden. Perfect for juicing and sauces, its fascinating fluted shape offers a delightful alternative to standard round tomatoes. Originating from northwestern South America and cultivated by ancient civilizations before spreading to Europe, this open-pollinated, indeterminate variety is grown by Swift River Farm in Salmon, Idaho. It contains 30 seeds and requires starting indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
$4.79
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
/ Solanum lycopersicum
Who it's for
- Home cooks and gardeners seeking authentic, robust tomato flavor
- Gardeners and chefs desiring unique, visually impressive produce
- Enthusiastic cooks and preservers valuing versatile, high-quality ingredients
Who should skip it
- Novice gardeners or those preferring low-maintenance plant varieties
- Consumers prioritizing perfectly uniform slices for presentation
- Gardeners in areas with unpredictable rainfall or new to heirloom care
Performance breakdown
Culinary Versatility
Deep, complex flavor profile excels in both sauces and fresh juices.
Visual Appeal
Distinctive fluted ribs provide a striking aesthetic for any garden harvest.
Growth Predictability
Indeterminate habit ensures a steady, reliable supply throughout the growing season.
Genetic Integrity
Open-pollinated heirloom status allows for consistent seed saving year over year.
Space Requirements
Large footprint demands significant garden room, unsuitable for small container setups.
Germination Reliability
Standard five to ten day window makes for straightforward indoor starts.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Plant Type
Tomato
Seed Count
30 seeds
Lifecycle
Indeterminate
Variety Type
Open-pollinated
Seed Trait
Heirloom
Planting Depth
¼”
Seed Spacing
2’
Know before you buy
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire season until the first frost. Because these vines keep growing, you will need to provide sturdy staking or a trellis to support their height.
No, this variety is not recommended for containers. Due to its indeterminate growth habit, it requires significant space and deep soil to thrive, making it best suited for in-ground garden beds.
You can expect these tomatoes to reach maturity in approximately 78 days after transplanting. Remember to start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area's last frost date to ensure they are ready for the season.
Yes, because this is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, you can save the seeds from your harvest to plant in future seasons. They will grow true to type, meaning the offspring will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
This variety is highly prized for its intense, complex flavor, making it an excellent choice for homemade sauces and fresh juicing. Its unique, deeply ribbed shape also adds a striking visual element to any dish.
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