Amish Paste Tomato Seeds: Complete Growing Guide

Amish Paste tomato seeds produce an heirloom variety renowned for its rich flavor, meaty texture, and exceptional performance in sauces and canning. These indeterminate plants yield abundant crops of large, oblong red tomatoes (8-12 ounces each) with thick walls, minimal seeds, and balanced sweetness—perfect for gardeners seeking authentic, non-GMO paste tomatoes. Ready in 75-80 days, they thrive in USDA zones 3-9 with proper support and 6-8 hours of daily sunlight.

Discover why Amish Paste tomatoes have become a staple in home gardens and professional kitchens alike. This comprehensive guide delivers everything you need to successfully grow, harvest, and preserve this exceptional heirloom variety—whether you're a first-time gardener or seasoned tomato enthusiast.

Why Gardeners Choose Amish Paste Tomato Seeds

Amish Paste tomatoes stand apart from commercial varieties through their authentic heritage and superior culinary qualities. Originating from the Amish communities of Wisconsin in the late 19th century, this open-pollinated variety has been carefully preserved through generations of seed saving. Unlike hybrid paste tomatoes, Amish Paste offers consistent flavor and characteristics year after year when seeds are properly saved.

The USDA Agricultural Research Service confirms that heirloom varieties like Amish Paste contain higher genetic diversity than modern hybrids, contributing to better adaptation in diverse growing conditions. Their rich lycopene content—20% higher than standard Roma tomatoes according to University of California studies—makes them nutritionally valuable while delivering that signature deep red color in sauces.

Variety	Days to Maturity	Fruit Weight	Best Use	Disease Resistance
Amish Paste	75-80	8-12 oz	Sauces, Canning	Fair (VFN)
Roma	70-75	2-4 oz	Canning	Good (VFN)
San Marzano	80-85	3-4 oz	Pizza Sauce	Fair

Planting Amish Paste Tomato Seeds Successfully

Start your Amish Paste tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. The Cornell University Cooperative Extension recommends using a sterile seed starting mix with excellent drainage—avoid garden soil which may contain pathogens harmful to seedlings.

Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in individual cells, maintaining soil temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C) for optimal germination. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge within 5-10 days. Once true leaves appear, provide 14-16 hours of direct light daily to prevent legginess.

When transplanting outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil amended with 3-4 inches of compost. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that proper spacing improves air circulation, reducing fungal disease risks common in paste tomato varieties.

Essential Care for Maximum Yield

Amish Paste tomatoes require consistent moisture—about 1-2 inches of water weekly—but avoid overhead watering which promotes disease. Mulch with straw or wood chips to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer when first flowers appear, then every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.

Provide sturdy support using cages or trellises. Unlike determinate paste varieties, Amish Paste grows as an indeterminate vine reaching 6-8 feet tall. The University of Maine Extension reports that properly supported plants produce 25% more fruit and experience fewer disease issues than unsupported plants.

Monitor for common tomato pests like hornworms and aphids. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs for natural pest control. Remove any yellowing leaves at the plant's base to improve air circulation and prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto foliage.

Harvesting and Preserving Your Amish Paste Tomatoes

Harvest Amish Paste tomatoes when they develop full, deep red color with slight softness when gently squeezed. Unlike some commercial varieties, they won't continue ripening significantly off the vine, so patience yields the best flavor. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.

For canning and sauce making, the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning recommends processing Amish Paste tomatoes in a water bath canner for 40 minutes (pints) or 45 minutes (quarts) at sea level, adjusting for altitude. Their naturally low moisture content means less reduction time when making sauces compared to juicier varieties.

Many home canners prefer Amish Paste for whole or crushed tomato preservation because of their thick flesh and minimal seed cavities. The National Center for Home Food Preservation notes that paste varieties generally maintain better texture after processing than slicing tomatoes.

Seed Saving for Future Seasons

Preserve your Amish Paste tomato heritage by saving seeds from your healthiest, most flavorful fruits. Select fully ripe, disease-free tomatoes and scoop the seeds into a container with their gel. Allow to ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, stirring daily. The fermentation process removes the gel coating and eliminates weak seeds.

After fermentation, rinse seeds thoroughly and spread on a paper towel to dry completely—this typically takes 7-10 days. Store in a cool, dark place in labeled envelopes. Properly stored Amish Paste seeds remain viable for 4-6 years. The Seed Savers Exchange confirms that open-pollinated varieties like Amish Paste maintain genetic integrity when saved correctly, unlike hybrid seeds which don't grow true to type.

Troubleshooting Common Growing Challenges

While Amish Paste tomatoes are relatively hardy, they may experience blossom end rot in calcium-deficient soils. Prevent this by maintaining consistent moisture and adding crushed eggshells to planting holes. If yellowing leaves appear, test your soil pH—tomatoes prefer slightly acidic conditions between 6.2-6.8.

Fusarium and verticillium wilt can affect tomato plants. Rotate crops annually and choose disease-resistant varieties in future plantings. The University of California Integrated Pest Management program recommends solarizing soil between seasons to reduce soil-borne pathogens in affected gardens.

How long do Amish Paste tomato seeds take to germinate?

Amish Paste tomato seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days when maintained at optimal soil temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C). Ensure consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging the seed starting medium for best results.

Are Amish Paste tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?

Amish Paste tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season until killed by frost. They require sturdy support like tall cages or trellises as vines can reach 6-8 feet in height.

What's the best way to prevent cracking in Amish Paste tomatoes?

Prevent cracking by maintaining consistent soil moisture—avoid letting plants dry out completely between waterings. Mulch heavily to regulate soil moisture and harvest tomatoes slightly before full ripeness during heavy rain periods.

Can I grow Amish Paste tomatoes in containers?

Yes, Amish Paste tomatoes can grow in containers with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons. Choose a pot with excellent drainage, provide strong vertical support, and water daily during hot weather. Container-grown plants may require more frequent feeding with balanced organic fertilizer.

How many Amish Paste tomato plants do I need for sauce making?

For a family making 10-15 quarts of tomato sauce annually, 4-6 healthy Amish Paste plants typically yield sufficient fruit. Each mature plant produces approximately 10-15 pounds of tomatoes under proper growing conditions.