I actually tried the Roma last year (2008) and the yield is pretty decent. So expect a lot of tomatoes off of each plant. Usually 2 plants for me is plenty, but I do not use tomato paste / sauce as regulary as other people since we cook more rice than pasta. Will I be wrong to say each plant gave me at least 50 tomatoes?

In terms of actual pounds of fruit per plant you mean? No. I've never found it possible or necessary to record that info.

More importantly, it will mostly depend on your garden soil and weather, your watering and feeding regimen and proper planting time for your zone. But under good conditions, both varieties are known to be excellent producers. If grown in containers, production will be reduced.

However, know up front that both varieties are also very prone to BER so expect some early crop loss because of it and do your research on it. Once the plants become established and the weather stabilizes, it should resolve itself.

And, unless you have a particular love for these 2 varieties, consider exploring the many other paste varieties available.

Dave

Yes....bigger and more flavorful paste varieties like Opalka or Carol Chyko (there are many, many more to choose from.)

2 things:

First, I agree that there are many better paste varieties to grow. I do not grow Roma any more. I much prefer Jersey Giant, and Roaslie's Large Paste - for both taste and yield. San Marzano had a BER problem for me, and I just wasn't that WOWED with them.

Second, there have been 3 heirloom tomato studies done about 30 miles from me in Northern Illinois. These studies record yields of many different tomatoes both in fruits and pounds. A great resource that I have used many times in the past to determine how many plants I want. Make sure you look at all the trials. In some cases, what fails one year produces tons the next.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/rep_pres/2004-5/MVVT%202004%20PDF/heirloomtomato_il_04.pdf

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/rep_pres/2003-4/MVVT%202003%20PDF/IL_CimmA.pdf

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/rep_pres/MVVT2002/MVVT2002PDF/IL_Cimmarrusti%2002.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: 2002 trial

I grew Roma VF last year - one plant - in an 18 gallon container. It produced 99 toms with an average weight of 3.15 ounces and a total weight of just over 19 pounds. An amazing plant, it never stopped all summer long regardless of heat, humidity, draught, and heavy rain periods.

BTW, I DO keep that kind of data.

Ted

If you can find it "Pink San Marzano" is a nice line in general.

However, if you want production go with hybrid variety lines. They will make a difference. Try seed sources geared to production rather than home gardeners to find these. Johnny's seed has a commercial branch and another source might be Morgan County Seed.