Rutgers

Tomato

85d to harvest

Sun-warmed, richly meaty Rutgers tomatoes bring a classic beefsteak presence to the garden—deep, true red with a succulent, seed-filled interior and a pleasantly firm bite. Their flavor leans balanced and savory, with a gentle sweetness that shines whether you’re building bold sauces or letting slices stand on their own. Grow Rutgers for dependable midsummer harvests and a hearty, kitchen-ready abundance that rewards attentive watering and steady sun.

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)	7

Recommended Companions

Dwarf Greek Basil Basil

African Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) like Rutgers, and how can I treat them?

Watch for early blight and Septoria leaf spot, which show up as dark spots on older leaves and can spread quickly in wet conditions. Remove and discard the worst affected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and water at the soil level (not the foliage). If problems persist, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes according to the product directions and restart after the recommended interval.

How often should I water Rutgers tomatoes during their main growing phase?

During active fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply 1–3 times per week rather than small daily sips to keep moisture steady and reduce blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. If the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dries out, it’s time for a deep watering.