Ideal for both canning and fresh eating! These medium-sized, smooth skinned tomatoes are crack-resistant, with a flattened globe-shaped fruit that averages 7 Oz in weight. Rutgers grows on compact vines and are ready in 78 days. Good yields and flavor, large vines. A fine New Jersey heirloom. Determinate.
Dr. Lyman Schermerhorn of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station developed the famous Rutgers tomato in 1934, selecting all the best qualities from several different varieties. Rutgers turned out such a success that major companies such as Campbell, Heinz, and Hunt as well as many others commercially produced it for use in their products. Its uniformity, thick flesh, and excellent flavor make this one of the best all purpose tomatoes.
~ planting ~
Start tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sowing Rutger's heirloom tomato seeds in a flat 1/4" deep and 1" apart. Keep the temperature at 70-75 degrees F until germination, as well as providing adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to grow strongly rooted plants. A week before planting the seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them; tomatoes cannot endure cold weather, and should not be transplanted outside until all threat of frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. Space the plants 2' apart. For companion planting benefits, plant tomatoes with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them with cabbage or tomatoes.
~ growing ~
Since temperatures below 55 degrees F can damage production, protect the plants if temperatures drop. A thick layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds; water the plants once a week, but avoid getting the leaves wet. Determinate, or bush type tomatoes, do not require staking.
~ harvesting ~
Test the ripeness of tomatoes by pressing them gently; the flesh should yield slightly. The mature color also indicates ripeness. If the stem does not come easily off the vine, cut it with a scissors. Vine ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, but as soon as frost comes, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will ripen eventually if kept in a warm place out of direct sunlight.
~ additional instructions ~
- all seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated, organic & non-gmo.
- detailed instructions are included with every seed package.
- inquire for discounts available on bulk quantities.
