Rutgers VF

Tomato

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 85d to harvest Determinate

Slow to surrender and rich to the last bite, Rutgers VF brings a deep, classic tomato fragrance with a juicy, beefsteak heft. Its…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 25th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 8th
Harvest Begins	Oct 1st
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	8

Recommended Companions

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants like Rutgers VF, and what should I do?

Early blight (Alternaria) is a common problem on tomatoes, showing as brown, concentric “target” spots that spread on older leaves. Remove infected leaves promptly, improve airflow by spacing plants and pruning only lower foliage, and start a preventive spray program with a labeled fungicide for tomatoes as soon as symptoms begin or when weather is warm and humid. If plants get hit hard, avoid overhead watering and switch to a fresh mulch to reduce soil splash onto lower leaves.

How often should I water Rutgers VF tomato plants during the main growing phase?

During fruiting (about mid-season onward), water deeply 1–2 times per week to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for roughly 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week total from rainfall and irrigation. Let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dry slightly between waterings, then soak thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone. Keep watering steady to reduce cracking and blossom-end rot, especially after the first fruit sets.

How can I tell when Rutgers VF tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for their variety (deep red) and feel slightly firm with a bit of give at the blossom end. At peak maturity, the fruit should separate easily from the vine with a gentle twist; if you need to tug hard, it’s likely not ready yet. For best flavor, pick in the morning and let fully ripe fruit be eaten soon, while slightly less-ripe (turning) fruit can be finished indoors.

Slow to surrender and rich to the last bite, Rutgers VF brings a deep, classic tomato fragrance with a juicy, beefsteak heft. Its flesh is firm yet tender, with a balanced sweetness and bright, tangy snap that shines in thick sauces and hearty simmered preparations. Gardeners prize Rutgers VF for dependable performance and its strong resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts—an heirloom-style favorite with modern resilience.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 8 days first.

Expert Note

For best survival, harden seedlings fully and wait until night temperatures are reliably ~50°F+ and soil is warm before transplanting to prevent cold-soil stunting.