30 Rutgers Tomato Seeds – Heirloom Red Slicer, High Yield

Rutgers tomato is a classic heirloom variety prized for its bright red, meaty fruit and dependable yields. The medium-sized tomatoes are ideal for slicing, canning, and fresh eating, making them a favorite for home gardeners and market growers alike. This open-pollinated variety produces vigorous vines that set fruit reliably, providing a steady harvest throughout the season.

Whether you're growing in a backyard garden or a raised bed, Rutgers tomatoes offer excellent flavor and versatility. The plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit until frost, so you can enjoy fresh tomatoes over an extended period.

Plant Features

• Heirloom, open-pollinated variety
• Bright red, meaty fruit with classic tomato flavor
• Medium-sized slicers, great for sandwiches and canning
• Indeterminate vines for continuous harvest
• Reliable yields under diverse growing conditions

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with compost
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• Growth Habit: Indeterminate
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in most zones
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: Varies; typically 4–6 feet with support
• Germination Requirements: Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; soil temperature 70–80°F
• Spacing: 24–36 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start Rutgers tomato seeds indoors in a sterile seed-starting mix, lightly covering them with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep the medium consistently moist and provide warmth (70–80°F) for best germination. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden after the last frost date.

Provide support with cages or stakes to keep vines upright and fruit off the ground. Water regularly, aiming for about 1–2 inches per week, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize according to soil test recommendations, and prune suckers if desired to improve airflow. Harvest fruits when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.

What's Included

30 Rutgers Tomato Seeds.