Tomatomania and Roger's Gardens Celebrate
'Sart Roloise':
The 2026 Tomato of the Year
What A Knock Out In All Categories!
Some years a variety just demands attention. In trials and gardens across the country (and even buzzing on social media and grower forums), Sart Roloise refuses to be ignored. Its jaw-dropping stained-glass beauty, explosive tropical sweetness balanced with perfect acidity, and vigorous, generous production make it a true standout. This Belgian gem isn't just another tomato—it's a gourmet experience that turns heads at markets, in salads, and straight off the vine.
A Belgian Masterpiece Born
from Passionate Breeding
It’s a relatively recent variety, created in 2012 by talented breeder Roland Boulanger in Sart Eustache, Belgium. This open-pollinated heirloom is a deliberate cross between the classic large white beefsteak White Wonder (which gifts those pineapple-sweet tropical notes) and the anthocyanin-rich Baby Blue (explaining the dramatic deep indigo-purple brushstrokes and shoulders). Roland's work has produced some incredible tomatoes, and Sart Roloise stands out as one of his most elegant and flavorful achievements yet—combining beauty, taste, and reliability in one package.
Appearance and Description
A creamy pale yellow to ivory-white base showcases outstanding deep indigo-purple to black anthocyanin shoulders and brushstrokes that intensify with sun exposure—creating a bi-color effect reminiscent of stained glass or fine art. The beefsteak-style fruits are slightly flattened-round, often with plump, discreetly ribbed shoulders, and weigh 200–350g (7–12 oz) on average, with some pushing up to 500g (over 1 lb) or 10–20 oz in ideal conditions. The skin is thin yet resilient with minimal cracking, and the flesh is firm, dense, pale yellow, meaty, and low-seeded with several cavities typical of beefsteaks.
The indeterminate vines are tall and slender (easily reaching 6–10 ft or more), very airy and vigorous with regular leaves and stems that show strong purple tinting early in the season. Plants produce generous clusters of 4–6 fruits and set heavily—often outpacing other varieties in vigor and precocity.
Growing Experience
Gardeners report that Sart Roloise thrives with standard tomato care and shows impressive resilience. It's mid-to-late season (first ripe fruits around 75–85 days from transplant), indeterminate, and needs sturdy staking, caging, or trellising to support the heavy fruit load and tall vines. Prune suckers regularly for better airflow and focus energy on fruit. It performs well in pots, raised beds, or in-ground, with no major susceptibility to issues like blossom end rot noted. In challenging conditions, it still delivers—vigorous growth, good set, and reliable production make it forgiving for home growers and market farmers alike.
With full sun, well-draining nutrient-rich soil (pH 6.0–6.8), consistent watering, and good support, you’ll only have to stand back and watch it perform. Then pick, slice, and savor!
Perfect for fresh slicing on sandwiches, caprese salads, garnishes, or simply eaten like an apple straight from the garden. The flavor is bursting with sweet, fruity, and complex notes—often described as tropical with prominent pineapple and other fruit undertones, balanced by just the right bright acidity. More sweet and juicy than tangy, with earthy depth and no off-putting "anthocyanin funk" reported by many tasters. The texture is firm yet succulent, meaty, and low-seeded—ideal for gourmet dishes or market appeal. Whether you're a chef chasing wow-factor presentation, a market grower wanting eye-catching sales, or a home gardener after unforgettable taste, Sart Roloise delivers on every level.