Roma - bush or vine?

[redser]

I have a few on the go but can't find a definite answer, are they bush or cordons? The seeds are just called Italian Tomato Roma. Instructions say support when needed and remove side shoots as they appear. But reading around I see they can be bush or semi bush.
Thanks for any help

[rustylady]

Which company did you get them from? Instructions to remove sideshoots usually apply to vine or upright tomatoes, but I've also heard conflicting advice about Roma.

[rustylady]

Previous thread here http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...oes_64442.html

[redser]

Thanks rustylady. They are deree seeds. I'll read that thread, ta

[marchogaeth]

I came across a reference to Roma on a US web site recently, (it might have been the Amish one) and it said on there that it could be either bush or vine depending on the seed source. I guess you have to check what the suplier says in the leaflet like RL suggests. Lots of us don't pinch out side shoots even on vines so you could just play it by ear.

[Alison]

I grew them years ago as cordons but it does sound like there is more than one strain so it doesn't sound simple.

[redser]

Indeed, hopefully they will take on an obvious hope and I'll know what they are.

[Tomato Head]

I grew roma bush last year and found that they needed some supporting as they grew quite tall and would have been all over the place without a bit of help.

[redser]

Thanks tomato head. I meant shape in that last post btw

[Two_Sheds]

Mine grew up to the eaves of the gh. Very vigorous plant!

[redser]

Just thought I'd bump this one as I'm still not 100% sure if Roma is a bush or vine. Maybe some people missed the thread first time. Here's one beside a maskotka which is definitely a bush! To my eye the Roma looks more like a stocky cordon type. The sideshoots are coming but developing slowly. So I'm thinking take out the sideshoots and grow it like a vine. Sound reasonable?
Thanks. Sorry foe sideway photo!

[Scarlet]

I've grown both before, the Maskotka is a "dwarf" bush, it doesn't grow very tall. The Roma ( the one that I grew) was classed as a bush but it grew as tall as my cordons. I didn't pinch out the side shoots unless one got in the way!

[Philthy]

I've grown Roma once before, maybe 4 years ago now? I understood it to be a bush type plant, and grew three or four, each in its own tub. They all developed as bushes, with multiple shoots and no central leader as per cordon types. They all reached 2-3' in height, and required a bit of support as the fruits developed.

I believe Roma is supposed to be the definitive tomato for making sauces with. My plants cropped fairly well, but I don't recall being bowled over by the quality or taste of the fruits. I'd recommend San Marzano as a fine alternative.

[redser]

Thanks Philthy. I chose them purely for sauce making so fingers crossed they work out.