The Rutgers Tomato has all the best tomato qualities—medium tomato size, smooth tomato skin, bright red tomato color, slightly flattened tomato shape, old-fashioned tomato flavor, compact tomato plant, reliable tomato production, generous tomato yields, and kind to animals. A tomato you can take home to meet the family.

• High yields
• Sweet and juicy
• Reliable production
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

Overall these Tomato - Rutgers Seeds produce indeterminate heirloom tomatoes known for high yields, sweet flavor, and reliable production. These seeds yield medium-sized tomatoes with smooth skin, bright red coloration, and a slightly flattened shape, ideal for home gardens, containers, and small-scale farming. The Rutgers tomato plant is compact for an indeterminate variety, requiring trellis support and regular pruning to maximize fruiting capacity. These seeds are suitable for planting in full sun with soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5, and they require soil temperatures of 75°F to 95°F for optimal germination. Seeds should be planted 0.25 inches deep, with spacing of approximately 24 inches between plants and 36 to 48 inches between rows. Germination occurs within 7 to 14 days, with plants maturing in approximately 75 to 80 days from planting. This seed variety produces an abundance of medium-sized tomatoes that are sweet, juicy, and suitable for fresh eating, salads, and cooking. The plants are known for their consistent, high-yielding performance, making them a preferred choice for gardeners seeking reliable tomato production on a budget. These seeds are non-frost hardy and should be planted in spring or summer for best results. The Rutgers tomato is an excellent choice for gardeners prioritizing high yields and flavor within a manageable space, fitting well within a variety of gardening budgets. For best growth, consider companion planting with basil, borage, onion, parsley, or pepper.