DETERMINATE vs. INDETERMINATE TOMATOES

Determinate tomatoes are varieties that grow to a fixed mature sizeand ripen all their fruit in a short period, usually about 2 weeks. Oncethis first flush of fruit has ripened, the plant will begin to diminish invigor and will set little to no new fruit.

Determinate tomato varieties are often referred to as “bush”tomatoes, because they do not continue growing in size throughoutthe growing season. They are generally smaller than indeterminatetomatoes, with most growing to a compact 4-5 feet. Pruning andremoving suckers from determinate tomatoes is not recommended.Despite their compact size, staking or caging is still recommended,since the concentrated fruit set can contribute considerable weight tothe branches.

Many paste or roma tomatoes are determinate varieties. Growingdeterminate variety tomatoes makes good sense when you want alarge amount of tomatoes all at one time, to make tomato sauce.

Indeterminate tomatoes are actually vines that continue growing inlength throughout the growing season. Also referred to as "vining"tomatoes, indeterminate tomato varieties will also continue to set andripen fruit until killed off by frost. Indeterminate tomato plants willrequire substantial staking or caging to support what can become alarge (6-10') heavy plant.

The majority of tomato varieties are indeterminate including mostheirlooms and most cherry types. Other indeterminate tomatoesinclude: 'Beafsteak', 'Big Boy' and 'Brandywine'. Early producingvarieties like, 'Celebrity' and 'Early Girl', are also indeterminate.However since they tend to mature earlier and die back before theend of the season, they are sometimes labeled semi-determinate.

Indeterminate tomatoes should be “suckered” in order to bear goodfruit. It is best to remove the growing tip at the height you want andremove some suckers. It will give bigger tomatoes and a moremanageable plant.