Principe Borghese
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Heirloom plum from Italy. The Italian sun-drying tomato: dry-fleshed, cluster-borne, and poor eaten raw. Ready in about 75 days from transplant.
- Heirloom
- 75 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Semi-determinate
- Cocktail-size fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Plum ~1 oz (20–40 g) · Oval (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Plant height
- 3–4 ft (90–120 cm) (estimated) Medium height
- Spacing
- 18 × 35 in (45 × 90 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground · Container
- Container growing
- Balcony friendly min. 6 gal (25 L) pot (estimated)
- Skin
-
- Red
- Interior
-
- Red
Plant size and habit
Medium height · Semi-determinate
3–4 ft (90–120 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Principe Borghese is a semi-determinate plant: it keeps growing a little past that point and spreads its harvest over a longer window without climbing indefinitely; a stake or cage is usually enough support. Expect a plant of 3–4 ft (90–120 cm).
Flavor
“The Italian sun-drying tomato: dry-fleshed, cluster-borne, and poor eaten raw.”
Growing calendar
- Sow indoors
- Transplant out
- Harvest
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Sauce & paste
- Canning
- Drying
- Roasting
- Sauce workhorse
- Heirloom classic
- Hot climate
Origin
Principe Borghese is the Italian sun-drying tomato: small, very dry-fleshed and borne in heavy clusters that ripen together, traditionally cut with the vine attached and hung whole. It is close to useless eaten raw and unmatched for its actual purpose.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
| Shop | Offer | Price | Packet | Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Growers Supply Company | Seeds | $2.95Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Pack (30 seeds) | Check availability | Buy |
| True Leaf Market | Seeds | $2.99Checked Sep 16, 2026 | 300 Mg Packet | Check availability | Buy |
| Eden Brothers | Seeds | $5.49Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Packet | Check availability | Buy |
Links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices checked Sep 16, 2026; not live.
All photos
-
Principe Borghese tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Principe Borghese tomatoes -
Principe Borghese tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Principe Borghese tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Principe Borghese tomatoes -
Principe Borghese tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Principe Borghese take to mature?
Principe Borghese is ready in about 75 days from transplant.
Does Principe Borghese need staking?
Principe Borghese is a semi-determinate plant: it keeps growing a little past that point and spreads its harvest over a longer window without climbing indefinitely; a stake or cage is usually enough support. Expect a plant of 3–4 ft (90–120 cm).
Can Principe Borghese be grown in a container?
Yes — Principe Borghese grows well in a container of at least 25 L (6 gal).
Is Principe Borghese resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Principe Borghese.
See also
Other plum varieties people put next to this one.
