Costoluto Genovese: growing the Italian heirloom tomato

Regina
Regina
Regina
Regina

I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food.

Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries
Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic

The ‘Costoluto Genovese’ is a unique tomato variety with unusually large fruits. Find out here what you need to consider when growing and caring for ‘Costoluto’ tomatoes.

costoluto genovese tomatoes
‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato plants form large and tasty fruits at the end of August [Photo: Sarah2/ Shutterstock.com]

The ‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato is a classic beefsteak tomato in every sense: large, aromatic, fruity in taste and heavily ribbed. In the following profile, we will introduce you to this Italian heirloom variety and give you tips on growing it in cooler climates.

‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomatoes: profile

FruitBeefsteak; bright red
FlavourFruity, mild, slightly acidic
Ripening timeLate
GrowthIndeterminate, up to 180cm in height
LocationGreenhouse, outdoors, and in pots

‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato history

The large-fruited ‘Costoluto Genovese’, which translates roughly as “ribbed one from Genoa”, comes from Piedmont, just northwest of Genoa. The ‘Costoluto Genovese’ was most likely cultivated in the 18th century and has survived, and thrived, in gardens to this day. In Italy there are several other ribbed beef tomatoes named after their region of origin, like the ‘Costoluto Fiorentino’ or ‘Costoluto Cantanese’.

Taste and other characteristics

With an average weight of about 200 grams, the bright red tomato variety ‘Costoluto Genovese’ is one of the smaller beef tomatoes. Its plants usually grow to about 180 centimetres tall and are high yielding and reliable. The fruits are often heavily ribbed and ripen late from the end of August until the end of the season in bunches of four to six tomatoes. Their taste is fruity, slightly acidic and mildly sweet. This is an heirloom variety, so you can easily save the tomato seeds yourself to sow ‘Costoluto Genovese’ again in the following year.

costoluto genovese salad
‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomatoes are best served fresh [Photo: Ulyana Vyugina/ Shutterstock.com]

Growing ‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato plants

‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato plants are hardy and not very susceptible to disease. They can be cultivated in greenhouses, outdoors and in pots. This particular tomato variety benefits from warm locations like next to a wall. ‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato plants can be planted in greenhouses from the beginning of May and in pots or outdoors from mid-May after the threat of frost has passed. In cooler climates, harden off your tomato plants before planting outdoors. To do this, gradually acclimatise your tomato plants to the cooler temperatures outdoors with a cold frame. When planting, place the young plants in the planting hole and fill it with a specially adapted soil, such as our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost. After planting, support the ‘Costoluto Genovese’ with a stick and tie it loosely.

Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost, 40L
Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost, 40L
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(5/5)
  • Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables such as chillies, courgettes & more
  • For strong & healthy plant growth as well as an abundant vegetable harvest
  • Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
£16.99

‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomato plants are easy to care for. They can be grown with two shoots by removing all other side shoots, except for one low to the base of the plant. Tie this second shoot separately to its own support. Flower clusters and more fruit will soon form on this shoot.

Fertilise your tomato plants from June onwards. As vigorous growers, they need a lot of nutrients to produce an abundant yield. With a liquid fertiliser, such as our Plantura Liquid Tomato Food, fertilising tomatoes is simple. The animal-free NK fertiliser can be added when watering about once a week once the plant begins to flower.

Liquid Tomato Food, 800ml
Liquid Tomato Food, 800ml
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(5/5)
  • Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables
  • Liquid fertiliser for healthy plant growth & an abundant harvest
  • Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly
£8.99

Harvesting and using ‘Costoluto’ tomatoes

‘Costoluto Genovese’ tomatoes are excellent served sliced on bread or in salads. These beefsteak tomatoes are also delicious in soups and sauces.

The ‘Oxheart’ tomato also reminds us of summer days and colourful farmers’ markets in France and Italy. Read our article on the ‘Oxheart’ tomato to find out more about these uniquely shaped tomatoes, the best varieties and our tips on growing and harvesting.

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