Costoluto Genovese
Solanum lycopersicum 'Costoluto Genovese'
This striking Italian heirloom from the Genoa region produces deeply ribbed, flattened tomatoes that look like they're sculpted from red marble. The dramatically fluted fruits have intense, rich flavor perfect for authentic Italian cooking, and their unique appearance makes them a conversation starter in any garden.
Harvest
80-90d
Days to harvest
Sun
Blossom-End Rot of Tomato
Zones
10–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-10 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Costoluto Genovese in USDA Zone 7
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Costoluto Genovese · Zones 10–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – April | June – July | — | September – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | — | September – October |
| Zone 5 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 8 | February – February | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 9 | January – January | March – April | — | June – August |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | — | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are smooth, shiny, glossy, and are classified as berries. The size, shape, and color will vary depending on the variety or cultivar. The color of the fruits may be red, yellow, orange, green, purple, or pink. The fruits may contain over 100 yellow to light brown seeds.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy, Variegated. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: The fruits or berries of the tomato are edible. They may be eaten raw, cooked, dried, or processed. They are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants. Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives the tomato its rich red color. Many plants will drop fruit when ripe or the fruit will come off easily. Tomatoes will continue to ripen once picked. Store them at room temperature.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Costoluto Genovese tomatoes store best at room temperature for 3-5 days, allowing flavors to continue developing. Avoid refrigeration unless fully ripe, as it diminishes their complex flavor profile. Store stem-side down to prevent moisture from collecting in the ribbed indentations.
For preservation, these tomatoes excel in traditional Italian preparations. Their meaty texture and intense flavor make them perfect for canning whole or as sauce—the ribs help trap seasonings beautifully. Remove skins easily by blanching in boiling water for 60 seconds, then ice bath. The deep grooves may require extra attention during peeling.
Freeze whole tomatoes for winter sauce-making by washing, coring, and placing in freezer bags. The skins slip off easily after thawing. Their low water content and rich flavor concentrate well when slow-roasted and packed in olive oil for long-term storage.
History & Origin
Costoluto Genovese traces its roots to the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, specifically around Genoa, where it has been cultivated since at least the 19th century. The name translates to 'ribbed' or 'fluted from Genoa,' perfectly describing its distinctive deeply grooved appearance that resembles the fluted columns found in Genoese architecture.
This heirloom variety developed through generations of careful selection by Italian farmers who prized both its exceptional flavor and unique appearance. The dramatically ribbed shape wasn't just aesthetic—it served practical purposes in traditional Italian cooking, with the deep grooves perfectly holding olive oil, herbs, and seasonings when the tomatoes were stuffed or grilled.
Like many Italian heirloom varieties, Costoluto Genovese nearly disappeared during the mid-20th century as commercial agriculture favored uniform, shipping-friendly hybrids. It was preserved by dedicated seed savers and small Italian farms, eventually making its way to North American gardens through heirloom seed exchanges in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, it's experiencing renewed popularity among home gardeners and chefs seeking authentic Italian flavors and unique presentations.
Advantages
- +Attracts: Bees, Pollinators, Predatory Insects
- +Wildlife value: The plant is pollinated by bees, especially bumblebees.
- +Edible: The fruits or berries of the tomato are edible. They may be eaten raw, cooked, dried, or processed. They are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants. Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives the tomato its rich red color. Many plants will drop fruit when ripe or the fruit will come off easily. Tomatoes will continue to ripen once picked. Store them at room temperature.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves, Stems): Medium severity
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while potentially improving tomato flavor
Marigold
Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural pest-repelling compounds
Carrots
Loosens soil around tomato roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on tomato pests
Chives
Repels aphids and may improve tomato growth and flavor
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling whiteflies
Lettuce
Benefits from tomato shade and doesn't compete for deep nutrients
Oregano
Repels various insects and may enhance tomato flavor and growth
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that causes tomato wilt and stunted growth
Fennel
Inhibits tomato growth through allelopathic compounds
Brassicas
Compete for nutrients and may stunt tomato growth when planted nearby
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #321360)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common diseases, adapted to Mediterranean climate
Common Pests
Tomato hornworm, aphids, Mediterranean fruit fly in suitable climates
Diseases
Late blight, early blight, blossom end rot, cracking in deep ribs