Tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Fiorentino'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Fiorentino' is commonly known as the Costoluto Fiorentino tomato, a variety that is esteemed for its distinctive ribbed and fluted shape which gives it an heirloom appeal. The fruits have a deeply grooved, almost pumpkin-like exterior that can create a somewhat scalloped look. This texturing gives the tomato an old-fashioned, rustic appearance. As for the color, the skin is a brilliant red when ripe, signaling its readiness for harvest and consumption. The leaves of the Costoluto Fiorentino tomato are typical of tomato plants, with a dark green color and a slightly fuzzy texture. They form a dense foliage that provides good coverage for the fruit, protecting it from the harsh rays of the sun. The plant produces yellow flowers that develop into the characteristic tomatoes. Each fruit is sizeable and meaty, packed with a rich and tangy flavor that is often celebrated in culinary circles for sauces and pastes. The flesh inside is as brightly colored as the outside, making it visually appealing when sliced open. Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes are not only favored for their taste but also for their unique, deeply lobed appearance which is a standout feature in gardens or when served on a plate. Despite the distinctive look, the growing habits and care for this tomato variety are similar to other common tomatoes, requiring similar conditions to thrive and produce their bountiful fruit.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Costoluto Fiorentino Tomato, Costoluto Genovese Tomato, Ribbed Tomato of Florence, Italian Heirloom Tomato.
- Common names
  Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Fiorentino'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Costoluto Fiorentino is a variety of tomato, which is generally not toxic to humans when ripe. However, the green parts of the tomato plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain solanine, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of solanine poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and, in severe cases, can lead to respiratory problems or coma. It is also not advisable for people with tomato allergies to ingest any part of the plant, as it can trigger an allergic reaction.
- To pets
  Tomatoes, including the Costoluto Fiorentino variety, can be harmful to pets, particularly small animals and cats, if they ingest the green parts of the plant, which contain solanine. Ingesting these parts can cause symptoms of solanine poisoning in pets, which include gastrointestinal upset, loss of appetite, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, can lead to central nervous system depression and cardiac effects. It is best to prevent pets from consuming any part of tomato plants to avoid possible toxicity.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Nutritional Value: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene, which contribute to overall health.
- Culinary Versatility: Tomato varieties like 'Costoluto Fiorentino' are highly prized for cooking, adding flavor to sauces, salads, and various dishes.
- Home Gardening: Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding hobby that provides fresh produce and enhances one's connection to food sources.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Costoluto Fiorentino' is known for its deep ribbed shape and vibrant red color, which can be visually appealing in a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: Tomato plants can attract bees and other beneficial insects, which are important for pollination and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Economic Benefit: Home-grown tomatoes can reduce grocery bills by providing a cost-effective source of fresh produce during the growing season.
Medical Properties
- Source of Antioxidants: Tomatoes like Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Fiorentino' provide a natural source of antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.
- Vitamin Content: They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
- Heart Health: The potassium and vitamin B content in tomatoes support cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and maintain heart function.
- Cancer Prevention: Regular consumption of tomatoes has been associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers, due to the presence of lycopene and other potent phytochemicals.
- Bone Health: Containing a combination of vitamin K, calcium, and lycopene, tomatoes contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Vision Support: The vitamin A and beta-carotene in tomatoes support good vision and protect against eye conditions such as macular degeneration.
- Digestive Health: Tomatoes provide dietary fiber which supports digestive health and regular bowel movements.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from pale yellow to green, depending on the fabric treatment and mordant used.
- Ink Making: The juice of the tomatoes can be reduced and mixed with other natural ingredients to create a plant-based ink for writing or drawing.
- Seed Starting Pots: Hollowed out tomato halves can serve as biodegradable seed starting pots for small plants, reducing plastic use in gardening.
- Photography: The vibrant, ribbed texture of the tomato's skin can serve as a subject for macro photography, exploring natural patterns and color contrasts.
- Watercolor Paint: Juice from the tomato can be used as a watercolor paint for art projects, providing a unique hue and organic texture to the artwork.
- Culinary Garnish: Thin slices of the tomato can be dehydrated and used as a colorful, edible garnish for various dishes, enhancing presentation.
- Botanical Studies: 'Costoluto Fiorentino' can be grown for educational purposes to study heirloom tomato genetics and the impact of cultivation on fruit morphology.
- Natural Pesticide: Tomatoes contain compounds that can be used to create a natural pesticide spray, deterring certain garden pests without the use of chemicals.
- Companion Planting: This variety of tomato can be planted alongside certain crops to improve growth and deter pests, based on companion planting principles.
- Stress Relief: Tending to and harvesting 'Costoluto Fiorentino' tomatoes may serve as a therapeutic activity, potentially reducing stress and anxiety through horticultural therapy.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The tomato plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The tomato plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love and Passion: The tomato, given its bright red color and heart shape, especially in heirloom varieties like the 'Costoluto Fiorentino', is often associated with feelings of love and passion.
- Fertility and Abundance: The prolific nature of tomato plants, which often produce an abundant crop, makes them a symbol of fertility and abundance.
- Good Health: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, thus they symbolize good health and the importance of a healthy diet.
- Protection: Historically, tomatoes were thought to have protective properties, and were sometimes used in rituals to ward off evil.
- Prosperity: The abundance of the harvest can also translate to a representation of prosperity and wealth.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The tomato plant variety 'Costoluto Fiorentino' should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, but it's important to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Deep watering is recommended, where the water reaches at least 6 to 8 inches deep into the soil, which encourages deeper root development. In general, water the plant with approximately 1 to 2 gallons per week, adjusting based on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be required during extremely hot or dry periods. The soil should be checked before watering; if the first inch is dry, it's time to water. Always water at the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
Light
Tomato plants, including 'Costoluto Fiorentino', require full sun for optimal growth. They should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting would be a location that gets uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day, away from the shade cast by trees or buildings. Southern exposure typically provides the best conditions for tomatoes in the Northern Hemisphere.
Temperature
The 'Costoluto Fiorentino' tomato thrives in warm temperatures and should be grown when temperatures are consistently between 70°F and 85°F. While tomato plants can survive temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F, temperatures outside this range can negatively affect growth and fruit production. Ideal conditions for fruit setting occur when nighttime temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F.
Pruning
Pruning 'Costoluto Fiorentino' tomatoes is beneficial to promote air circulation and increase sunlight exposure, which can lead to healthier plants and better fruit production. Prune by removing suckers—the shoots that grow from the axils of leaves—when they are about 3 to 4 inches long. It's best to prune early in the morning when the plant is dry. The frequency of pruning can vary, but checking plants weekly and removing unnecessary growth is a good practice. The best time for major pruning is before the plant sets a large amount of fruit.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for growing tomatoes, specifically the 'Costoluto Fiorentino' variety, should be well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, perlite, and compost in equal parts. The ideal soil pH for tomato plants is between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with bone meal or lime to adjust the pH if necessary.
Repotting
As an annual plant, tomatoes don't typically require repotting. However, start tomatoes in small seedling pots and transplant them once to a larger container or outdoors when they have 2-3 sets of true leaves and after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & Misting
Tomato plants like the 'Costoluto Fiorentino' prefer moderate humidity, generally between 40-70%. They can tolerate some humidity variation, but excessively high humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use bright lights and warm temps to grow tomatoes indoors.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun after frost and support with stakes or cages.
- Hardiness zone
  3-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the 'Costoluto Fiorentino' tomato begins with seed germination, which typically takes place under warm conditions after the last frost of the season. After germination, the seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its first true leaves and establishes a strong root system. The vegetative stage is next, during which the tomato plant grows rapidly, producing more leaves, stems, and possibly flowering side shoots, while it becomes stronger and bushier in preparation for fruiting. Upon entering the flowering stage, the plant produces yellow flowers which, once pollinated, start developing fruit. The fruiting stage sees the development and maturation of the tomatoes, which change from green to a deep red as they ripen and become ready for harvest. Finally, after fruit production, the plant typically reaches the end of its life cycle, although some varieties can produce continuously if conditions allow, until adverse weather or disease ends the annual life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Early Summer
- Propogation: The Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Fiorentino', commonly known as the heirloom tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino', is most commonly propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing these seeds is in early spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. The process involves filling seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed starting mix. Tomato seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) and kept consistently moist in a warm, well-lit environment, ideally around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). Germination typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Seedlings require adequate light to grow strong; once they develop their first true set of leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger pots before eventually moving to their final outdoor location after the risk of frost has passed.