I can't wait either to see how it tastes, gona fertilize them this evening and will take photos. It was cold here the past few days 42f so I saved 4 back ups just incase and will plant them this weekend in 7 gallon fab bags. Now Speaking of the Ramapo, I loved it and grew it for the past 2 years. I just didnt have the time this year to order (in the past I had to write a check to get seeds and mail it to Rutgers, it has been a hectic year moneywise and everything so could not have a check waiting to be cashed) Also speaking of the Supersonic, I got 1 planted and one thing I can't wait is to see which of the tomato plants did the best and tastes the best since I had the Ramapo I cant wait to taste the Jersey boy and others for comparison.

Also the only problem with the Ramapo was that I did not have proper caging and lost a lot, that plant just didnt stop. I feel the same thing will happen with the Jersey Boy from seeing Hudsens photos.

Can't find Jersey Boy or Brandyboy anywhere, just online which I won't buy

Vince, they are Burpee exclusives. I was surprised to see Burpee brand starts at Home Depot this season - I had never seen starts by them before. But, I looked for a Brandy Boy and did not see them. Just a couple weirdly boring varieties that can be had anywhere. But, check out your local HD and see...

I think these photos of Jersey Boy fruit are good examples of how fruit may set on a truss. On this truss fruit set 7 weeks ago - 5 weeks ago - 3 weeks ago and last week (approximately). There are 3 larger tomatoes on this truss - the 3rd one is a little hard to see behind the larger bottom tomato and leaves. Who knows why and which blossoms will set fruit and when?

Wormy, I checked both HD stores and Lowes along with Orchards....Nothing. I also checked others. It's too late for this season but I'll keep looking.

Bummer, Vince. I would like to try these hybrids too! Next year.

Hudson, I was reading last night that if the plant doesn't have enough resources it can put some of those pollinated flowers "on hold" until a later time. I think your pictures are a perfect example of that!

Quick photo *edit" look at the bottom photo for the Jersey boys. The top photo shows Jersey boys, summer irl and super sonic.

But the Jerseyboy seems to be great. In this photo there are 2 Jersey boys and seem to be taking off. The supersonic (which I bought from a hardware store has 2 fruits, but had flowered when I bought it) However the Summer girl is also starting to take off, but the "JB" seems great for now and looking like it is ready to produce flowers. I think the third in the other bag from front to back is a summer Girl. (I got to double check).

Hudson, I got hooked to Brandy Boy because of your 2014 reviews.
Now it seems like I will get hooked on Jersey boy for 2016 season. Your plants look incredible already. Lets wait for the "Taste Test".

Sey

I agree Sey - the plant appears to be a producer but that is not worth much if they don't pass the taste test!! It won't be long - some of the first truss tomatoes are pretty good sized!

Your JB's are looking good butcher!

Wormgirl - I did some reading on fruit setting on a truss also - it appears more complicated than I thought with many possible causes. Probably worth doing a thread on that topic alone! Your comment was one of the causes all right.

Here is an update on the Jersey Boys - fruit is setting at a very high percentage rate and appear attractive - IMO

It won't be long now for the all important taste test!

Jersey Boy Blushed today - It won't be long now to see how this guy will taste!

My Jersey boy's are the first 2 now in front, the 2nd left front is super sonic and behind him is summer girl. The the right at least the first two are jersy boys. We had cold temerpatures and threats of storms for the past 2 weeks but positive of the Jersey boys in front. and behind the rest, the tallest is summer girl 3rd to the left. Heavy weeds because of hospital visits for past month plus and my two garnders were in there. But I do plan on weeding and such.

Hudson, I can't wait to you taste the jersey boy and let me know how it is, my mother and brother are excited for these tomatoes. :)

Things are doing great in those huge grow bags, Mr. Beno.
Hope you start getting fruits real soon.

BTW: is Ramapo a hybrid ? I am growing some version of good ole Rutgers. Looks like indet version, to me.

Sey

All those Jersey Boys look great. I tried BrBoy for the first time this year, so if that works out maybe I'll add JB to next year's list.

I'm also interested in seeing how my jet star turns out, though it's growth is lagging behind. Sowed at the same time as BrB, it's about a quarter of the size.

Happy tasting, Hudson. Shouldn't be long now.

thanks both of you, I think they should fruit soon, the summer girl had her first the other day and with 49 day DTM and both planted at same time in same mix. As far as the Ramapo, I got my seeds from Rutgers University 2 years ago. Back then you had to send a check in to get the F1 seeds which is a hybrid. I would of done it this year but everything was a mess with health for my family and couldnt worry about balancing things out with bills. but Ramapo highly recommended from me and thought to be the "Jersey Tomato" You got to see the farms there coming back from the shore all rode side stands ect....

And as i read last year the true rutgers (original) is being revived within a year or two from Rutgers University, gona be interesting. As for Jersey Boy, I used to run at Brandywine in highschool (it is where they got the name at) back in the day and I live about 10 minutes from Burpee so it seemed perfect sense to try it :)

I will keep the JB updated. It is just rough now with both people in the hospital and trying to upkeep the plants and that is why the weeds look like a mess. But I know they will come through.

Sorry to hear about the health issues butcher - family comes first! Your plants do look good! Here us approximately what the fruit will look like. I am going to give it a day two on the counter to see if JB continues to ripen - it looks like it may not be quite ripe - but hard to tell having never grown JB. This tomato weighs 8 oz. Another will be ripe soon.

I think Jersey Boy has good taste! I would compare it to more like Better Boy and would plant one or the other - but probably not both. IMO - Brandy Boy has noticeably better taste - much more tangy! In my mind - I will compare how well Better performs in my GH with Jersey Boy and plant the best performer. I did plant Better Boy this year also - so it will be easy to compare.

The fruit is firm with with slightly thicker skin than Brandy Boy but about the same as Better Boy. I am not yet sure how prolific the plant will be - so far - it appears about the same as Better Boy. This fruit is 8 oz and the tomatoes still on the vine seem to be somewhat consistent to that size.

Very nice looking! You don't have any Better Boy ripe yet, correct? But I am guessing you will soon since you had this today and Brandy Boy a few days ago. It will be interesting to hear how they are side by side!

My Jersey Boy plant is doing well...and it appears to be a good producer (many half-grown maters on board). I am guessing I am a week or so away from a fully-ripe taste test. I will let you know how it does with the test. It is an exciting time right now....with many new varieties (for me) about to be tested.

Hi Fireduck - I will be interested in your taste test so I can compare with mine!

Wormgirl - (by the way - is there any significance/background to the name "wormgirl"? Just curious - do you raise and sell worms). Our Better Boys are still growing - the oldest fruit set are about 14oz now - I am sure that is why Jersey Boy ripened first weighing only 8oz. Here is a photo of a last year's Better Boy to compare. The interior of a Jersey Boy when sliced does look a lot more like a Brandywine with all of the juice pockets? A Rutgers looks more like a Better Boy on the inside? I have never grown Rutgers.

Hudson - when I joined GW in 2002, I was active on the Verimicomposting forum. I am not really sure how I got interested in that, now that I think about it -- but I took the name wormgirl. I definitely do not raise and sell worms! I don't even have a worm bin right now, but I'd like to start one again. However, I have lived in a couple places where former gardeners loved the soil and there were many, many worms.

I used to go by princess_greenthumb at another garden site, long ago.... wormgirl seems a bit more modest though :)

I see what you mean about the gel pockets in each tomato - quite different patterns. I have not grown Rutgers either, but I did get some Rutgers Select for next year. I hear the original Rutgers is long lost anyway, but assume Burpee used some "Rutgers-like" descendant to create Jersey Boy.

Jenn

Nice, thanks for the JB review Hudson. I like the way it looks sliced, meaty & less seed, which is my preference. My mind is pretty much made up for next season.

Jenn, good news, Rutgers University has secured the original Rutgers parent lines from the Cambells soup company. I wouldn't expect a miracle tomato or anything, but since i've been eating all of the subsequent Rutgers lines my entire life, i now want something closer to the original! I'll be monitoring the Rutgers website for updates. More info on page 2 of this PDF file: http://www.njfarmfresh.rutgers.edu/documents/WhatsinSeason8-27-12.pdf

Steve

They look great I can't wait Hudson for mine as well, sorry for no photos, I took a few today and JB is producing fruits. I got some, but want to show the photos over the next few days once weeds are out ect... "I just bought a weed wacker" :). Kind of forced too by the development association but all is good. $100 fine :( It is a TORO and powered by Battery

My mother and little brother used to take care of our lawn and I did the tomatoes. But this weed wacker is gona kick some major but, was just afraid of the family of rabits and I am highly alergic to weeds and pollen, so for $95 I bought this wacker and built it tonight. I can't wait to show photos :) of the new yard

Jenn - thanks for the explanation! I like the handle - wormgirl - to me it says you are not afraid to get your fingers dirty - and are not weary of worms. I sold a few worms several years ago - but I just asked them to surface - gathered and sold them. It didn't last long because of my time restraints. All girls are princesses - but wormgirl puts you in jeans - haha - when you are in the garden that is.

‘Jersey Boy’s 8 oz. fruits brilliantly joins together ‘Brandywine’s sublime sweet-sour tang with ‘Rutgers’ classic rich color, shapeliness, yield and performance.

Burpee's description of the Jersey Boy fruit is right on. This is the 2nd ripe JB and it appears as Burpee describes.

Other fruit still on the plant

"Houston I think we got a problem here... to many Jersey Boys in company with those Summer girls and the suppersonic is starting to itch! :)

JB not messing around no joke.. many fruits now and flowers. I am impressed. Sorry I did not give close ups but will do, it has been a rough few days. I will show more when I get back.

I have been gone a few days too butcher - your JBs and the rest of your tomatoes look awesome. We had a couple more JBs ripe when we got back - they are producing now!

My brandy boys are still smallish, maybe three feet tall, but they've both got fruit, some around the size of a golf ball. Still a way to go for ripe tomatoes, but not bad for an April 11 sowing. I've already had one ripe Anna Russian and a second that's already blushing. Black Krims planted out the same day are far behind -- still green and smallish.

Thanks Hudson, they are really starting to take off. some near half of golf ball size, but most peasize when they dropped the fruit. I must of counted over 75 for the pea size. I just fertilized them an hour ago and will take more photos over the next few days.

Below is a photo from my front two, it seems like most of the fruit is being prouduced and too many new flowers and buds a I can't cound out of my 4-5 JB's i lost count. I do know I have 3 summer Girls and they are taller. They produced ealier but JB seems to be taking over. Even the Supersonic is a tad behind but with the inital larger first fruit as golf ball size.

It just seems like JB is dropping much more fruits then both of them

Sorry , my other photo with them plants :)

We have a large one ripening - it appears to be about 16-17 oz. The plant is prolific and the fruit is tastey !!

I ate my first Jersey Boy earlier this week. It is a keeper. I like it better than the Brandy Boy because it is more meaty, better texture and has a slightly acidic taste.

I have one finishing getting ripe on the counter now that weighs 12 ounces. I usually let them get ripe on the vine but I have some unknown critter eating big chunks off of them. I think it is a squirrel, I've never had that problem before even thought I have hundreds of squirrels.

Hudson, yours have a potato leaf? Mine look like the butchers.

Wertach - The leaves on my Jersey Boys are not potato leaf - Here is a photo of the young plant

and the way it looks now

We have had a chance now to let several Jersey Boys Ripen. They have a beautiful deep red color!! I think the taste is awesome - a solid tomato taste !! This variety is on our "Next year to plant" list. It is prolific, good sized, great taste - it is a keeper - IMO

How does it stack up against burpees other reds like big boy, better boy, ect?

Agree, great color! Yes, please do a side by side tasting of all 3?

OK - here is my opinion - which is worth absolutely nothing !!! Taste is as subjective as the individual who is doing the taste comparison!! I did not grow a Big Boy this year - so sorry - I am no help there.

Today I picked Brandy Boy, Better Boy and Jersey Boy - all about 8 oz in size and ripe. Here is a photo to show you what I was tasting. I picked one of each variety that was most similar in size. Better Boy on the Left - then Brandy Boy - then Jersey Boy on the Right.

Jersey Boy is on the top left - Better Boy on top right and Brandy Boy on the bottom. I sliced each variety then tasted the tomato 1/2 slice for each tomato three times in different sequence - one half slice at a time slowly. The one thing that stood out more than any other is that if you like the tangy tomato taste - Brandy Boy is the clear winner!! Every time I took a taste of Brandy Boy the tangy tomato taste knocked my socks off!!

Jersey Boy and Better Boy were very similar in taste. Both had an excellent desirable taste!! I recommend both - only an issue of preference considering all aspects of the plants - IMO. I will continue to plant all three varieties as we love Brandy Boy as a slicing tomato and the other two my wife likes better for canning/salsa/soup etc. I my opinion Jersey Boy is not a new awesome breakthrough in taste (like Brandy Boy is - for a hybrid) - but is an outstanding tomato comparable to Better Boy - very prolific - great size - deep red color - slightly thicker skin (than Brandy Boy, same as Better Boy) - slightly flatter shape (than Better Boy) - and great taste!!

Thanks Hudson,

I knew you were growing better boy, didn't know if you had grown big boy in the past. Didn't mean for you to go to all that trouble! I will give Jersey Boy a try next year for sure.

No trouble Hoosier - I had planned a taste comparison for my own decisions - that is the best part of trying a new variety!! I think you will like Jersey Boy !!

Great stuff Hudson, I think I am about 20-30 days away from tasting it. they are about a bit more then a golf ball. Unfortunatly though I had about 10 of them had BER early (Golf Ball size), but I think that was due to my fault and weather and they were the first ones to show

, but the rest seem to have no sign on them. The summer Girl is just about ready to blush, super sonic is running the same time frame of the JB.

Here are some photos I just took. The top photo are all the jersey boys along with the one in fron on the left side. Super Sonic is placed right behind him and the tall ones are Summer Girl. Sorry if it is confusing, it has been really rough but still getting these things to rock out.

Hudson, great review - thanks! So it sounds to me like, the magic of Brandy Boy is that tangy Brandywine-esque taste, especially for fresh eating. I see why the Better/Jersey Boys would be better for canning - easier to peel/process, more consistent shape.

The big difference I see between Better and Jersey in the photo really is that this PARTICULAR Jersey Boy doesn't have green gel, whereas the Better Boy has some green. I am kind of funny about the green gel, and although I will eat it these days, I admit I really prefer when the gel is the same as the flesh color. That is just my weirdness, though. You might look out for that and report back to see whether that's variety dependent, or whether that was just this particular fruit.

Now in terms of plant growth and production, do you see advantages in one over the other? It seems like it's almost a toss-up in terms of the finished product - so is there an obvious preference for one or the other in the greenhouse?

Jenn

Butcher - I look forward to your Jersey Boys ripening and looking inside of the fruit that grows on your vines and see how it compares in taste and appearance from my results! Your plants look great - it won't be long now!

Wormgirl - There is no obvious preference between Jersey Boy and Better Boy for me - All I have done is complicated/improved my growing list by growing Jersey Boy because now I want both Jersey Boy and Better Boy in our GH !! The plants appear identical in plant vigor, production, truss size, fruit size and fruit color - all great!! The Jersey Boy is a bit flatter fruit and the Better Boy does have that green gel you mentioned and I did notice that Jersey Boy does not have the green gel. I have not seen the green gel yet in the Jersey Boy tomato. Haha - that is interesting you don't prefer the green gel - now I will always look for the green gel when I eat a tomato - haha - I never really paid much attention to it in the past. I agree - the green gel doesn't look quite as appetizing though!?

Thanks Hudson, It should be any day now and I have a ton of them. So far only about 10-12 had BER, but they are all from 1 potting mix. I think this should be the first one to blush anyday now. I planted around may 10th and it seems to look like it is at its size. Been rough here for weather, heavy rains last week, then now we are having a heat wave 95F today. And the rest of the week in the 90's. Also the week before around the 90's

Ok here it is my first ripe Jersey Boy. I put it next to a ripe Summer Girl to judge size and color. I can't wait to eat it, will probably do it tonight or tommorrow. There are many more starting to ripe as well. I got about. The only problem I have so far is that the plant is very bushy and hard to look in to see where the ripening ones are.

Wonderful tomato and found another one on the vine hidden Hudso and all. Here is the slice photo. Mny more to be at ripe stage :)

thebutcher - great work !! Your Jersey Boy tomato looks great - did you like the taste? We're growing the same variety alright - they look identical on the inside!!

Thanks, the taste was great. Now a couple of days away from a small heard of them are going to be ripe. Some are huge too, I will take photos tommorrow or the next day when they are bright red. I also plan on making Salsa "Pico de Gallo" then next one will be gazpocho soup. Also do a little caprice. In the meantime this is what we eat every night, this was my first Jersey Boy salad. the past few weeks we were making it with the Summer girl, but this was better.

Some more ripe ones witha whole trail behind. This is 3 Jersey boys with a regular size Summer Girl. I noticed that some are Global and the others are different shape. have you had that Hudsun? either way they are great and very tasty, just made my Pico De Gallo salsa