How to Grow Ville de Paris Tomato
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Ville de Paris Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Ville de Paris'
vegetableVille de Paris is a classic French heirloom tomato variety known for its smooth, deep red fruits and exceptional flavor. This indeterminate variety produces medium-sized tomatoes (4-6 oz) with few seeds and a rich, complex taste. It's prized by gardeners and chefs for its reliability and superior culinary qualities.
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Example Ville de Paris Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ville de Paris Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ville de Paris Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ville de Paris Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 and 10 with season extension
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Get my Ville de Paris Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny green leaves emerge; plant is 1-3 inches tall with delicate stems
Provide bright light (grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings), maintain 70-75°F, water gently to keep soil moist. Begin 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant grows rapidly with multiple sets of true leaves; stems thicken. Transplant to larger containers when 2-3 sets of true leaves appear.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors. Plant outdoors after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Install sturdy stakes or cages early.
Flowering
4-6 weeksYellow flower clusters appear along the main stem and branches; plant reaches full height
Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Prune suckers (shoots between main stem and branches) to direct energy to fruit. Keep soil temperature above 55°F for fruit set.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall green fruits develop from flowers; they gradually enlarge and begin to ripen, changing from green to light pink to deep red
Continue deep watering; feed with lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer. Mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture. Remove some foliage if needed for air circulation but protect fruit from sunscald.
Harvest
6-10 weeksFruits reach full size (4-6 oz) with deep red color; smooth, unblemished skin
Pick when fully colored and slightly soft to touch. Ripe tomatoes continue to produce ethylene gas, encouraging further ripening of remaining fruit. Continue harvesting until first frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for smaller larvae; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level only; remove affected foliage; use copper or chlorothalonil fungicide if needed
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Remove lower leaves as they age; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply fungicide; ensure good air circulation
Uses
Fresh slicing and salads
CulinaryVille de Paris is excellent for fresh eating, slicing for sandwiches, caprese salads, and as a table tomato. Its low seed count and meaty flesh make it ideal for these fresh applications. [source]
Sauce and preservation
CulinaryWith its rich flavor and firm texture, these tomatoes are well-suited for homemade tomato sauce, paste, and canning. The low water content compared to modern hybrids makes them efficient for cooking down. [source]
Antioxidant-rich food
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant compound with potential health benefits. The deep red color indicates high lycopene content. [source]
Seed saving
HouseholdVille de Paris is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, making it ideal for seed saving. Seeds can be fermented, dried, and stored for planting the following season. [source]
Heritage gardening and collection
CraftAs a classic French heirloom, Ville de Paris is prized by heritage gardeners and tomato enthusiasts who collect rare varieties. Growing it connects you to traditional gardening practices. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully red and yielding slightly to gentle pressure. Pick in early morning for best flavor. Tomatoes picked at the 'breaker stage' (first blush of color) will continue to ripen off the vine and develop good flavor. Use ripe tomatoes within a few days or store at room temperature for best taste. Avoid refrigerating if possible, as cold dulls flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ville de Paris is a French heirloom tomato with a history dating back to at least the 1890s, representing traditional European tomato breeding before modern hybridization.
- 🌱 The name translates to 'City of Paris,' reflecting its origin in France and popularity in French cuisine and gardening traditions.
- 🌱 Indeterminate varieties like Ville de Paris will continue to grow and produce fruit until killed by frost, unlike determinate types that produce all fruit in a short window.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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