Northern Ruby Tomato, Determinate Paste Tomato

Northern Ruby was bred by Doug Ruby of Ruby Seed Company in Montana during the 1990s. 🛤️ A master of cold-climate tomato breeding, Ruby selected this variety from crosses involving his earlier creation, the Montana Tomato, and other early-maturing lines. The goal? A reliable, flavorful slicer that could thrive in Montana's short, cool growing season with nighttime lows dipping into the 50s°F. 🌡️

Introduced in the early 2000s, it became a go-to for gardeners across the northern U.S., Canada, and Alaska. Today, it's celebrated as an open-pollinated heirloom-style tomato that captures rich, old-world taste in a package built for tough northern conditions. ⭐

Follow these steps for success in your garden:

1. Start Seeds Indoors (6-8 weeks before last frost):
   Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix at 75-85°F (24-29°C). Use a heat mat for germination in 7-10 days. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings. ☀️

2. Harden Off Seedlings:
   Gradually acclimate transplants outdoors over 7-10 days once they have 2-3 true leaves. 🌤️

3. Transplant Outdoors:
   Plant after soil warms to 60°F (16°C), spacing 24-36 inches apart in full sun (6-8+ hours). Amend soil with compost for well-drained, fertile loam (pH 6.0-6.8). Bury stems up to first leaves for strong roots. 🪴

4. Care Tips:

   • Water deeply and consistently (1-2 inches/week); mulch to retain moisture. 💧
   • Fertilize with balanced organic formula at planting, then switch to low-nitrogen bloom booster. 🌾
   • Prune suckers sparingly for determinate habit. ✂️
   • Watch for pests like hornworms

5. Harvest:
   Pick when fully red and slightly soft. Yields peak mid-summer for fresh eating into fall! 🥗

💡 Pro Tip: Ideal for raised beds or pots (5+ gallons). In zone 3-5, this variety shines where others falter! 🚀