A garden classic that never goes out of style!
Tomato Rutgers is the dependable, all-purpose tomato your grandparents probably grew, and for good reason. With its deep red, round fruits and balanced sweet-tangy flavor, itโs perfect for slicing, canning, and everything in between. This heirloom favorite brings reliability and rich taste to every harvest.
Variety:ย Rutgers Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Growth Habit:ย Determinate
Height:ย 24โ36 inches
Flavor Profile:ย Balanced, sweet, and tangy
Color:ย Deep red, round fruits
Planting Conditions:ย Full sun, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline:ย 75โ85 days from transplant
Uses:ย Canning, sauces, fresh eating
Fun Fact:ย Developed by Rutgers University in the 1930s, this variety became one of the most widely grown tomatoes in the U.S. a true American heirloom!
Rutgers tomatoes are the kind you reach for when you want that classic tomato flavor, bright, juicy, and just the right amount of tang. Whether youโre simmering a big batch of sauce, slicing for sandwiches, or preserving summer in jars, this variety delivers every time. Itโs a staple for gardeners who love tradition and taste.
๐ย To Full Size:ย Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil.
๐ฑ Start seeds indoors 6โ8 weeks before your last frost. Transplant outdoors when the soil is warm, spacing plants 18โ24 inches apart.
๐ง Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
๐พ Use cages or stakes to support the compact plants and keep fruit clean.
โ๏ธ Harvest when fruits are fully red and slightly soft, perfect for picking in batches for canning day.