‘Rutgers’ was developed at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, from a cross between ‘Marglobe’ tomato and a very old New Jersey variety from the Campbell Soup Co., named ‘J.T.D.’ First released in 1928, as an indeterminate plant. In 1943 released as ‘Rutgers Improved’, and this version is available today. In 1958 Gleckler’s Catalog described this variety as: “RUTGERS (Indiana Strain) (72 Days) A superior strain of Rutgers, re-selected and supervised at Purdue University. Slightly earlier and much more productive than the original 290 strain as it came from New Jersey. Fruit quality and color like-wise are greatly improved. Fruits are smooth, slightly flattened at the stem-end, deep red color ripening from the interior outward. Thick walls, small seed cavities with very few seeds from very solid fruits. Plants are large, thick stems with dense foliage protecting fruits from sunburn. To get maximum yield from Rutgers, the soil must not be over-supplied with nitrogen. A heavy application of phosphate is recommended to ensure early ripening and…? the entire harvest.”

Culinary Use

Salad / Slicer

Disease Resistance

Yes

Flavor Profile

Well-balanced

Flesh Color

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Shape

Oblate / Round

Fruit Size

Medium

Leaf Type

Regular

Maturity

Mid-season

Plant Type

Indeterminate

Species

Solanum lycopersicum

Variety

Hybrid