Early Ruby

chancethegardener · June 1, 2016

This variety got my attention when I was browsing Peter Henderson's 1891 seed catalog (I have the original catalog as part of our seed company's heritage library). I found the seeds for the variety among USDA's accessions (PI 644906), requested and grew them this season in ground as well as in our greenhouse in pots.

EarlyRuby.jpg

Fruit size is said to be large in the catalog and this is the only thing that I would say is not consistent between my results and the variety description, as far as today's concept of a large fruit goes. Fruits that I have harvested so far are generally in the range of 2.5-4 oz.

Plants have regular foliage, are determinate, need around 55-60 days to maturity, and are prolific. Fruit color is red-deep red.

Plants have open-habit as indicated in the description, foliage is sparse.

I think that the flavor is exceptional for such an early variety. I usually don't detect that praised smokiness/saltiness of fruits of black varieties. Certain fruits of Early Ruby though, tasted as if I sprinkled salt on them. Overall, very good balance of sweetness and acidity.

EarlyRuby2.JPG

Mehmet

**nctomatoman** · June 9, 2016

That is pretty much how it grew for me.

Labradors2 · June 9, 2016

Looks interesting. How tall does it get?

Linda

chancethegardener · June 9, 2016

Plants outside were 2-2.5 ft. They had many branches although the foliage is sparse. Plants in the greenhouse taller than 3 ft (it is very hot in the greenhouse).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labradors2

Looks interesting. How tall does it get?

Linda

Labradors2 · June 9, 2016

That sounds great to add to my early-compacts-in-pots group next year!

Will seeds be available from your store in the fall?

Linda

chancethegardener · June 9, 2016

Hopefully, yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labradors2

That sounds great to add to my early-compacts-in-pots group next year!

Will seeds be available from your store in the fall?

Linda

chancethegardener · August 24, 2016

Couple of pictures of the plants.
EarlyRuby5.JPG
EarlyRuby6.JPG

swellcat · August 24, 2016

Mmm—tomatoes from antiquity.

Interestingly, 15¢ a packet in 1890 is said to equal $3.79 in 2016.

chancethegardener · August 24, 2016

Not a bad price at all, especially because they used to pack abundantly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by swellcat

Mmm—tomatoes from antiquity.

Interestingly, 15¢ a packet in 1890 is said to equal $3.79 in 2016.

June 1, 2016	#1
chancethegardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: WV Posts: 604	Early Ruby This variety got my attention when I was browsing Peter Henderson's 1891 seed catalog (I have the original catalog as part of our seed company's heritage library). I found the seeds for the variety among USDA's accessions (PI 644906), requested and grew them this season in ground as well as in our greenhouse in pots. EarlyRuby.jpg Fruit size is said to be large in the catalog and this is the only thing that I would say is not consistent between my results and the variety description, as far as today's concept of a large fruit goes. Fruits that I have harvested so far are generally in the range of 2.5-4 oz. Plants have regular foliage, are determinate, need around 55-60 days to maturity, and are prolific. Fruit color is red-deep red. Plants have open-habit as indicated in the description, foliage is sparse. I think that the flavor is exceptional for such an early variety. I usually don't detect that praised smokiness/saltiness of fruits of black varieties. Certain fruits of Early Ruby though, tasted as if I sprinkled salt on them. Overall, very good balance of sweetness and acidity. EarlyRuby2.JPG Mehmet

June 9, 2016	#2
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	That is pretty much how it grew for me. __________________ Craig

June 9, 2016	#3
Labradors2 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 3,896	Looks interesting. How tall does it get? Linda

August 24, 2016	#7
chancethegardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: WV Posts: 604	Couple of pictures of the plants. EarlyRuby5.JPG EarlyRuby6.JPG

August 24, 2016	#8
swellcat Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cowtown, Texas – 7B/8A Posts: 192	Mmm—tomatoes from antiquity. Interestingly, 15¢ a packet in 1890 is said to equal $3.79 in 2016.