Yes there all several sub-types of Rutgers and in both determinate and indeterminate forms (and 1 I would label semi-determinate). Unfortunately they are all listed under the name Rutgers but with a code number or alternate sub-name applied and that additional info often gets lost along the way and everyone just says "I'm growing Rutgers". Sort of like what happened with "Brandywine".

As a decades-long Rutgers grower I have followed the variants closely over the years and at last count there were 7 of them, maybe 8 now as Rutgers just released a limited supply of a new variant this year that I am testing.

Personally I find little difference in the fruit of the various sub-sets but the growth pattern of the plants and the disease resistance is noticeably different.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I looked on the seed packet, but there are no code #s or any other form of ID. I used the same seeds as last year for this year, so I'll see if they perform more like an indeterminate again.

I just received my Rutgers 250 seed (one of the new variants) from Rutgers Ag Experiment Station yesterday. Looking forward to growing those this year and comparing to some I got from Burpees last year.

John A

Good to know John. Let me know what you think of 250.

Dave

I won't plant Rutgers until they establish the new version. Last year I planted one, not knowing what it was. It was a vigorous indet and did not do well.

Sey

What is the growth habit if the 250s?

Don't know yet. First times the seeds have been available and Rutgers doesn't stipulate. I am guessing it is going to be determinate or semi as that is the research goal but don't know for sure.

Dave

Yes---please keep us informed. I used to grow Rutgers and loved them for canning. But the last few times I grew them I was disappointed.

Thanks

LAR

I've had the worst luck with Rutgers over the years with three different retail seed packs giving me plants that were nothing like the description of Rutgers. Last season's version produced small tomatoes barely bigger than cherries - one of the "big ones" weighed in at only 1.6 ounces.

I now have the new Rutgers 250, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I end up with. However, the seeds just arrived a few days ago, so they're getting off to a rather late start.

Last year I grew 2 plants that came from the same Burpees seed pack. One did well and the other had a limited production of small fruit.

John A

You would think that the seed companies would put a true description of the plant on the seed packet.

Is this plant an OP? If so, I will save the seeds from my Ferry Morse pack as the plants I grew last year were amazing in their growth habit, fruit size and production and taste.

Very true. But as we all know there are good seed companies and bad seed companies. Personally I don't count on the seed packet for reliable info but some sources are far more reliable than others. If that packet comes from a certain seed company that begins with a 'B' you are better off just throwing the packet away seeds and all IMO.

Dave

Here's a status report. This is a photo of Rutgers from a Burpee seed pack on the left and Rutgers 250 on the right.

Here is a close-up of the Rutgers 250.

John A

Thanks for the update, John. Keep them coming. My Rutgers this year are from TomatoFest and seem to be semi - determinate and are producing nicely.

I harvested our first Rutgers 250 a few days ago. The fruit are small but the taste is superb. Just like I remember Dad's Rutgers from the 1950's. Still haven't done a comparison of the 250's with the ones from Burpees.

John A

Final report on Rutgers 250. The plants are determinate but pretty productive. The fruit are very small, with excellent taste. Rutgers Ag School describes them as semi determinate, with size up to 10 oz. I'll definitely grow them next year to see if I can get any larger ones.

John A