Tomato - Rutgers

Minimum Seed Count: 15

Rutgers Tomato is a legendary American tomato introduced in 1934 and developed through cooperation between Rutgers University and the Campbell Soup Company! This classic variety produces an abundance of medium to large, round, deep-red tomatoes with that rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor gardeners love. The fruits are meaty and juicy with an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity, making Rutgers an outstanding all-purpose tomato. Perfect for fresh slicing, sandwiches, sauces, soups, canning, and homemade tomato juice! Its dependable production and traditional flavor have helped make Rutgers one of America's most recognized classic tomato varieties.

Plant Details

• Species: Solanum lycopersicum

• Plant Type: Annual tomato

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 70–80 days from transplant

• Fruit Shape: Round to slightly flattened

• Fruit Color: Deep red when ripe

• Fruit Size: Approximately 6–8 oz.

• Flavor: Rich, classic tomato flavor with a balance of sweetness and acidity

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, compact indeterminate to semi-determinate habit

• Primary Uses: Fresh eating, slicing, sandwiches, sauces, canning, and cooking

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost.

• Maintain soil temperatures around 70–80°F for best germination.

• Plant seeds approximately ¼ inch deep.

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged.

• Germination typically takes 5–10 days.

• Provide strong light once seedlings emerge.

Planting

• Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

• Harden plants off gradually for 7–10 days before planting outside.

• Choose a location receiving full sun.

• Space plants approximately 18–24 inches apart.

• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

• Plant seedlings deeply to encourage a strong root system.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

• Warm temperatures

• Fertile, well-drained soil

• Consistent moisture

• Protection from frost and cold temperatures

Care

• Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruit development.

• Avoid allowing the soil to repeatedly become extremely dry and then saturated.

• Water near the base of the plant whenever possible to keep foliage dry.

• Fertilize after plants become established and begin active growth.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Stake or cage plants to support branches and developing fruit.

Harvesting

• Harvest tomatoes when they develop a rich, even red color.

• Ripe fruits should feel firm with a slight amount of give when gently squeezed.

• Pick regularly as tomatoes ripen to encourage continued production.

• Tomatoes may also be harvested slightly early and allowed to finish ripening indoors.

• Use fresh or preserve through canning, sauces, soups, and other recipes.

History

The Rutgers Tomato was introduced in 1934 by Rutgers University in New Jersey and became one of the most influential American tomato varieties of the 20th century. It was developed from a selection originating with the Campbell Soup Company and refined by Rutgers vegetable breeder Lyman Schermerhorn. Rutgers was bred to combine excellent flavor, dependable production, and qualities useful for both fresh markets and tomato processing. It became widely grown by commercial producers, canners, and home gardeners and remains a treasured piece of American gardening history today.