Rio Grande is not a hybrid, so you can save the seeds and it will grow true. I don't think the plants acclimate and grow stronger in subsequent years as the seeds will be identical each year.

I grew them several years ago and recall them as being very solid and productive.

Here is another discussion on them:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tomato/msg0713402124468.html

TomNJ

I can't find any info on the web if they are or not.

Hmm, I found a lot of info on the Rio Grande tomato by doing a Google Search for Rio Grande Tomato. If you click on the first link, that takes you to Tomato Growers Supply and you can see it listed there. TGS will put "Hybrid" at the end of the name if the tomato is a hybrid. Look down the page at Super Marzano VFNT Hybrid for an example.

Another place to check to see if it is an heirloom or open pollinated tomato is on Tatiana's TOMATObase.

Betsy

Here is a link that might be useful: Tatiana's TOMATObase - Heritage Tomatoes

It's an OP. Save seeds from the best fruits on the best plants. Each year grow out the seeds again and repeat--save the best from the best. By repeatedly selecting seeds of the very best plants you will have a good and reliable seed stock.

Thanks for the input folks, Will be saving seeds at the end of the season. Sorry, Betsy only looked at the listing for Rio Grande, didn't see anything that said hybrid or not hybrid, guess I should have looked a little closer.

No problem! It takes a while to get used to how companies list their tomato varieties. In general the reputable sites will tell you if the tomato is a hybrid. Sometimes you have to dig a bit. If a site has no listings for hybrids, then all plants are probably heirloom or open pollinated, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask.

Have a great day!

Betsy

I grow heirloom rio grande tomatoes and LOVE them.

I've been saving the seeds from a few tomatoes for several years with great success.

It is a bit of a process to ferment and save the seeds.
But to me - to save heirloom seeds is an imperative - a duty :)

Fermentation is a long process, usually three to five days. You don't have to ferment to safely process seeds. You can try the sani-scrub which the USDA is sharing (the printed pdf) at their visitor center, it takes but 35 minutes--including a half-hour break while the seeds sit and soak. 35 minutes or 3 to 5 days, both work but one is a lot quicker and easier.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to Clean Tomato Seeds (Sani-Scrub)

BUMP .
I am growing Rio Grande this season. So I was curious to know what people think of. Then I came across this 5 year old GW thread. .
I also googled for some pictures. Here are couple of them.

Seysonn

I'm growing it Seysonn. It is as common as the Roma tomato here in other places. In another thread we discussed how it is one of the most productive and common varieties out there. I'm growing it to principally to make fresh pico de gallo, a garnish for my piratas. It is being sold in the main selection of Burpee this year as a regular BBS retail item, under the variety name Roma Grande - same OP tomato. Good luck with yours and we can compare...

PC

PC, .. Thanks for clarifications.
It is good to know what Rio Grande is. I quit growing Roma because of high BER rate . I liked it just for grilling and canning and as I remember it was not that tasty to slice. But RG seems to be be much better. So I am glad you are also growing it. Another thing that I like about it is that it is DET. and easy to manage.
I sowed the seeds 2 days ago, for plant out in mid April, hopefully.

Seysonn

It is more determinate in size but not in timing since it peaks but then keeps on going :-) Semi-determinate is a better description. IMO the confusion isn't simply a Burpee relabel, but because it is a Roma type of tomato, except more 'grande', and on one hand it was simply called a Roma Grande (a large Roma type generically), as well as a Roma Rio Grande as the type with the variety name, since Roma is so ubiquitious and used as a variety as well as generic. Expect 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 ounce fruits.

PC

LOL, I'm sure they'll get around to update some of these OPs, but you have to admit, if the variety were named Pomodoro 'Il Fiume Po', it might turn a few more heads ;-)

PC

don't think roma grande is the same as rio grande -roma grande is indeterminate.