Constoluto Fiorentino Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 91% Oct. 2024 Packed for 2025
Origins and History
The Constoluto Fiorentino Tomato is a treasured Italian heirloom hailing from the Tuscany region, particularly around Florence, where it has been cultivated for generations. Its name reflects both its deeply tied cultural roots—“Costoluto” meaning ribbed, and “Fiorentino” denoting its Florentine origin. This variety is emblematic of traditional Italian gardening and cuisine, especially during the summer months when fresh tomatoes anchor much of the Mediterranean diet. It has long been valued for its reliable yields and suitability for both fresh and cooked applications, making it a staple in Italian markets and gardens.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Constoluto Fiorentino is most recognizable for its deeply ribbed, fluted shape, resembling a series of folds radiating around the fruit. The tomatoes are medium to large in size, typically weighing between 6 to 10 ounces. They ripen to a brilliant red hue and possess a meaty flesh with relatively few seeds. The skin is moderately thick, offering durability for cooking, while the flavor is bold, robust, and well-balanced—combining rich sweetness with just enough acidity to enhance its culinary versatility.
Culinary Uses
Highly prized in Italian kitchens, Constoluto Fiorentino tomatoes shine in both raw and cooked preparations. Their meaty texture and concentrated flavor make them ideal for fresh salads, bruschetta, and Caprese platters. When cooked, they excel in sauces, slow-simmered ragù, and oven-roasted dishes, where their depth of flavor intensifies. The ribbed shape also makes them visually appealing for stuffing, as their folds hold herbs, breadcrumbs, or rice mixtures beautifully.
Growing Tips
Constoluto Fiorentino tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny climates and are well-suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Like most heirloom tomatoes, they prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil amended with compost or aged manure. Seeds should be sown indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, at a depth of about ¼ inch, and transplanted outdoors once soil temperatures consistently exceed 60°F. Plants should be spaced 24–36 inches apart with sturdy support, as their indeterminate growth habit produces vigorous vines that continue bearing fruit throughout the season. Consistent watering at the base and mulching to retain moisture are key to reducing the risk of cracking and blossom-end rot.
Harvesting Guidance
Fruits are ready for harvest approximately 75–85 days from transplanting, when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Because of their ribbed structure, ripening can appear uneven, but fruits should be picked once the shoulders show full color development. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, and these tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the vine but can also be preserved as sauces, canned, or oven-dried for extended use. For the best flavor, allow fruits to ripen on the plant rather than picking them early and ripening indoors.
