RUTGERS - HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEEDS

Rutgers Tomato Seeds: An Annual Heirloom Compact Variety

The Rutgers determinate tomatoes, developed in 1934, is a productive heirloom variety that is perfect for canning and slicing. Its strong vines produce round, red fruits that weigh between 6-12 ounces and have a great ratio of flesh to gel. Developed by a Rutgers University scientist in partnership with Campbell's Soup Company. 6-8 oz fruits. ~11,000 seeds/oz.

Sowing: Start tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, sowing Rutger's heirloom seeds in flat 1/4" deep and 1" apart. Keep temp at 70-75F, provide light, moist soil with good drainage. Transplant after second set of leaves, expose to weather before planting outside in full sun and rich soil. Space plants 2' apart and avoid planting tomatoes with cabbage or potatoes.

Growing: 

Protect plants from cold damage by using a thick layer of mulch and watering them once a week. Avoid getting leaves wet. No staking needed for determinate tomatoes.

Harvesting: Gently press tomatoes to test ripeness. The mature color and ease of stem removal also indicate ripeness. Harvest all tomatoes before frost, even unripe ones, and keep them in a warm place out of direct sunlight to ripen gradually.