Last seedling to plant: Porter vs. Rutgers??

kerns125 · May 19, 2013

Hi everyone! I only just started gardening last year and am obsessed. I even made my own grafts this year using Maxifort rootstock for a few varieties to see if it makes much difference where I live (7a, in Alexandria VA). ANYWAY, I have one spot left for a tomato and am torn between Rutgers and Porter. I already have a bunch of tomatoes planted:
Brandywine (pink/Sudduth, red, black), Brandy Boy, a couple Cherokee Purple, San Marzano, Giant Belgium, Tangerine, 3 Sun Golds, one Porter and one Rutgers. I am primarily interested in strong flavor, and last year my black tomatoes tasted watery (I'm going to try to water less this year) so my favorite was Brandy Boy (I didn't grow any Brandywine last year). I plan to can extras, and also make a great roasted salsa that I can which requires tomatoes to hold their shape on the grill until skins blacken.

I would LOVE to hear your advice about Porter vs. Rutgers -- flavor, utility, production? As an aside, the Porter strain I have is from Reed B. which has been propagated over the years by his grandfather, Charles Herring. (Reed, all the seeds I planted germinated!) The Rutgers plant is one I grew from seed from Heirloom seeds.com. Both seedlings appear equally healthy and similar size right now.

THANKS!
Jen

May 19, 2013	#1
kerns125 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: 22301 Posts: 92	Last seedling to plant: Porter vs. Rutgers?? Hi everyone! I only just started gardening last year and am obsessed. I even made my own grafts this year using Maxifort rootstock for a few varieties to see if it makes much difference where I live (7a, in Alexandria VA). ANYWAY, I have one spot left for a tomato and am torn between Rutgers and Porter. I already have a bunch of tomatoes planted: Brandywine (pink/Sudduth, red, black), Brandy Boy, a couple Cherokee Purple, San Marzano, Giant Belgium, Tangerine, 3 Sun Golds, one Porter and one Rutgers. I am primarily interested in strong flavor, and last year my black tomatoes tasted watery (I'm going to try to water less this year) so my favorite was Brandy Boy (I didn't grow any Brandywine last year). I plan to can extras, and also make a great roasted salsa that I can which requires tomatoes to hold their shape on the grill until skins blacken. I would LOVE to hear your advice about Porter vs. Rutgers -- flavor, utility, production? As an aside, the Porter strain I have is from Reed B. which has been propagated over the years by his grandfather, Charles Herring. (Reed, all the seeds I planted germinated!) The Rutgers plant is one I grew from seed from Heirloom seeds.com. Both seedlings appear equally healthy and similar size right now. THANKS! Jen