Rutgers Tomato

Certified Organic

Solanum lycopersicum

The original round red slicer from New Jersey.

Rutgers might seem like an odd choice of tomato for our catalog considering the original introduction, in 1934, was a hybrid tomato developed for commercial growers. Despite its provenance, the tomato was tasty and well-suited to home gardens and be came popular. By the 1970s, however, farmers had moved on to tougher tomatoes with less flavor in favor of shipping hardiness and Rutgers was lost.


With the rise in awareness and demand for heirlooms, many folks remembered Rutgers and seed was located and reintroduced. Our seeds, although they can be traced back to the original hybrid, have since been selected and turned into an open-pollinated version of the original.


So, technically, this is not an heirloom. We call it a "commercial" heirloom.


Original Rutgers University Release 1934 http://www.njfarmfresh.rutgers.edu/documents/Rutgerstomatorelease.pdf


Reviving the Jersey Tomato http://www.rutgers.edu/about-rutgers/reviving-jersey-tomato

This product was grown and processed on our own certified organic farm, Four Fold Farm, in the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Shop with confidence: we are now shipping seeds labeled for 2025 planting.

from $2.88

$3.39

UnitPriceQuantityAvailability
25 seeds
On Sale! 15% off
$3.39 $2.88 In Stock
75 seeds
On Sale! 15% off
$6.39 $5.43 In Stock
225 seeds
On Sale! 15% off
$11.49 $9.77 In Stock

Price as selected:

Start indoors 4-8 weeks before last frost in a warm spot with
ample light (supplemental light is usually necessary).
Transplant after frost into medium-fertility garden beds in
full sun. Trellising is required; pruning is recommended.

Days to Germination 3 to 10 days
Days to Maturity 75 days from transplant
Planting Depth ¼ inch
Spacing in Row 24 inches
Spacing Between Rows 36 inches
Height at Maturity 66 inches
Sun Preference Full Sun
Growth Habit Indeterminate

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