Get 5 Tomato Varieties from Rutgers University Before They're Gone - But Heat Tolerance is Not Guaranteed
Rutgers University has been offering the “Rediscover the New Jersey Tomato” program for a few years now, selling five varieties of tomato seeds. These include Rutgers 250, Ramapo F1, Moreton F1, KC-146 (Campbell's 146), and Scarlet Sunrise Bicolor Grape. Unfortunately, direct seed sales will be discontinued at the end of this year, so if you want to order from them, do it soon! You can find more information on the program and tomatoes here, while the order form with variety descriptions is available here. Note that orders must be mailed in; online ordering is not available.
If you're wondering about heat tolerance, none of these varieties are particularly heat tolerant. They grow well in New Jersey which has hot summers but not extreme temperatures like those found in Central CA or AZ. The only one I've grown is Moreton which I would say is less heat tolerant than most other tomatoes I've tried. This year I grew it next to Supersonic and Supersonic continued producing all summer and fall while Moreton gave up in early August and never came back. So if you need something that can withstand high temperatures, Moreton isn't your best option. There have been some reports online saying Ramapo is heat-tolerant but there's no way to confirm this yet.
In conclusion, if you're looking to purchase any of these tomato varieties before they become unavailable, make sure to act fast! Keep in mind that none of these are especially heat tolerant so choose accordingly.And if you're looking for a heat-tolerant variety, Ramapo may be worth trying but there's no guarantee it will work. Good luck and happy gardening!
What varieties of tomato seeds does Rutgers University sell?
Rutgers University has been selling several varieties of tomato seeds in its "Rediscover the New Jersey Tomato" program for a number of years now. The varieties are Rutgers 250, Ramapo F1, Moreton F1, KC-146 (a.k.a. Campbell's 146), and a newly-developed variety called Scarlet Sunrise Bicolor Grape.
Is it possible to order from Rutgers University online?
No, to order you have to complete the form and mail it in; there is no online ordering.
How much does it cost to order from Rutgers University?
The price from Rutgers is pretty good ($4 for a pack of 30 seeds), and the shipping fee is very low ($1.50 or $2.50).
Does anyone have any experience with any of these varieties in recent years?
I've grown Moreton but not any of the others. I don't think any of these are considered especially heat tolerant; probably basically average. They grow well in New Jersey, which has hot summers but not extreme heat like you would get in Central CA or AZ, etc. This year I grew it next to Supersonic, and Supersonic continued to produce all summer and fall, while Moreton pretty much gave up in early August and never came back. So, I would say don't choose Moreton if you need a heat-tolerant tomato. I've seen a few people online say Ramapo is heat-tolerant but I can't say whether that's true.
When will Rutgers University discontinue direct seed sales?
Rutgers University will be discontinuing direct seed sales as of the end of the year, so if you want to order from them, act fast.
Where can I read about the program and the tomatoes?
You can read about the program and the tomatoes here: order form, which includes variety descriptions, is here:
Is there a way to get more information about each variety?
Yes, the order form includes variety descriptions which can provide more information about each variety.