Borgo Celano Tomato Seeds

Solanum lycopersicum

The Borgo Celano tomato is an heirloom variety originating from the small town of Borgo Celano in the Foggia province of Puglia, Italy. With a history spanning over 500 years, it is one of Italy’s oldest known tomato varieties. This traditional tomato has been carefully preserved through local seed saving and remains rare outside its native region.

The plants produce small, very pointed cherry-shaped fruits that closely resemble Vesuvio tomatoes. Each fruit is bright red, weighing around 1.75 to 3 ounces, with a meaty texture and dense flesh containing minimal gel. The flavour is balanced and leans more towards savoury than sweet, making it an excellent choice for cooking and pickling.

Borgo Celano is an indeterminate, vining tomato that grows vigorously, reaching about 5 feet in height. It is well-suited for Mediterranean climates and requires staking or support. The fruits mature mid-season, approximately 75 to 80 days after transplanting.

A key feature of Borgo Celano is its exceptional storage ability. Clusters of ripe fruit are traditionally harvested and hung in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces where they can keep for 6 to 9 months. While the skins may wrinkle over time, the flesh remains firm and flavourful. This makes Borgo Celano a valuable variety for those seeking fresh tomatoes through the winter months, as well as for drying and preserving.

Preservation Note:
Borgo Celano is a traditional Italian landrace tomato with over 500 years of history. Though not officially listed as endangered, it is considered rare and at risk due to limited cultivation outside of its home region in southern Italy. Growing and saving seed from this variety helps keep it in circulation and protects a living piece of agricultural heritage. Every planting supports its survival.

These rare storage tomato seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.