History
Rutgers Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most storied tomatoes in American horticultural history. Developed in 1934 through a partnership between Rutgers University and the Campbell Soup Company, it was bred to be the perfect dual-purpose tomato — firm and flavorful enough for fresh slicing, yet consistent and rich enough for commercial canning. For decades it was the tomato grown across New Jersey’s famous farm country and used in Campbell’s iconic tomato soup. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Rutgers fell out of commercial favor as hybrid varieties took over in the 1970s — but seed savers preserved it, and today it has made a well-deserved comeback as gardeners rediscover what a truly great classic American tomato tastes like.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 73–79 days
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Fruit Size: 6–8 oz; round to slightly oblate, 2½–3 inches in diameter
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Color/Appearance: Deep, glossy scarlet-red; smooth skin with a firm, meaty interior and small seed cavities
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Vine Spread: Indeterminate; 4–6 feet tall with staking recommended
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Plant Type: Indeterminate vining annual
Flavor Profile
Rutgers delivers the classic American tomato flavor that modern hybrid varieties can’t touch — deeply rich, balanced sweet-acid flavor with dense, meaty flesh and very little excess moisture. It holds together beautifully when sliced, doesn’t turn to mush in heat, and has enough acidity to make it a standout for sauces and canning. Eaten fresh off the vine in peak summer heat, it is everything a tomato should be.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Rutgers is an indeterminate variety — vines grow continuously through the season, producing fruit from midsummer through first frost. Under normal conditions expect 10–20 lbs of fruit per plant; in rich soil with consistent water and good staking, yields can be even higher. Fruits ripen in heavy clusters, making for spectacular mid-season harvests.
Disease Resistance
- Good resistance to fusarium wilt (race 1) — one of the key traits it was originally bred for
- Moderate tolerance to soil-borne diseases with proper crop rotation
- Susceptible to early blight and septoria leaf spot — remove affected lower leaves promptly and avoid overhead watering
- Resistant to cracking when watered consistently; irregular watering is the primary cause of fruit cracking
- Stake or cage plants early to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
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Spacing: 24–36 inches between plants; rows 36–48 inches apart
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Sow Depth: ¼ inch deep indoors; transplant after last frost
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Germination: 5–10 days at 70–85°F soil temperature
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Sun Requirements: Full sun — minimum 8 hours daily
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Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with abundant compost; pH 6.0–6.8
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Water: Deep, consistent watering — 1–2 inches per week; mulch heavily to retain moisture and prevent splash-back
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Special Tips: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; pinch suckers on indeterminate vines for larger fruit; stake or cage early before vines get heavy; side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer at first flower set
When to Plant
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost date; transplant outdoors after soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F. Rutgers thrives in the warm days and cool nights of a classic American summer. Not sure of your zone? Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Basil — repels aphids and whiteflies; widely believed to improve tomato flavor when planted nearby
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Marigolds — deter nematodes and aphids; essential companions in any tomato bed
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Carrots — loosen soil around tomato roots without competing aggressively for nutrients
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Borage — deters tomato hornworm and attracts pollinators
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Parsley — attracts beneficial predatory insects that feed on common tomato pests
- Avoid planting near: fennel (inhibits most vegetables), brassicas (heavy feeders that compete), and corn (shares pests)
How to Enjoy
Slice thick for the classic BLT — Rutgers holds together beautifully with no watery mess. Layer on burgers where the firm flesh and rich flavor stand up to everything else on the plate. Cook down into the finest homemade tomato sauce you’ve ever had — the balanced acidity and low moisture content make it ideal. Can whole or crushed for winter soups and stews, and enjoy that taste of summer in February when it matters most.
Why Gardeners Love Rutgers Tomato
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Legendary flavor — the classic balanced sweet-acid tomato taste that defined American summer for generations
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Dual-purpose excellence — equally perfect fresh, canned, or cooked into sauces
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Crack-resistant — firm skin holds up under summer rain and irregular watering
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Proven disease resistance — bred with fusarium wilt resistance from the beginning
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Heavy producer — reliable 10–20 lb yields per plant in normal conditions
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True American heirloom — open-pollinated, seed-saveable, and steeped in agricultural history
Harvest Tips
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When to harvest: Pick when fully deep red and slightly soft to gentle pressure; don’t wait for over-ripeness on the vine
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How to cut/handle: Twist gently or cut cleanly with pruners; store at room temperature stem-side down — never refrigerate fresh tomatoes
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Curing & storage: No curing needed; store at room temperature for up to 1 week; process into sauce or can at peak ripeness for best flavor
Seed Saving
Allow one or two of your finest fruits to ripen fully on the vine — past eating stage, deeply soft. Scoop seeds and pulp into a jar with a little water; ferment for 2–3 days at room temperature, stirring daily. Viable seeds sink; rinse, drain, and spread on a screen to dry for 1–2 weeks. Store in a labeled airtight container in a cool, dark location. Rutgers tomato seeds remain viable for 4–6 years under proper conditions.
Order Today
Grow the tomato that built Campbell’s Soup and fed a generation of American families. Order your Rutgers Tomato heirloom seeds today and bring this classic back to your garden where it belongs.
