Determinate Tomatoes vs. Indeterminate tomatoes

Who does not like fresh, pulpy and juicy tomatoes growing in their garden? But there are many varieties of tomatoes. So, if you are wondering which one is the right one for your garden, then you are at the right place. 

The two major categories are determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. The right choice between the bush and vining types can add fresh tomatoes to the list of your spring plantings. 

What are Determinate tomatoes?

Determinate Tomatoes are a variety that is capable of growing and bearing fruits in a short period. Sometimes, it grows mature and its fruits ripen within a span of just 2 weeks. But after its first set of fruits ripen the plant diminishes in size and produces less or no fruit at all.

Determinate Tomatoes are also known as Bush tomatoes. This is because they do not keep growing in size throughout the season. The maximum height that is reached by these plants is about 4 to 5ft tall. 

It is because of its particularly small size tedious process like removing suckers or pruning is not required for this variety. 

Things to keep in mind while growing determinate tomatoes-:

• Do not avoid the need of caging or staking this plant because of its small stature. 
• Since the plant produces a lot of fruit in a short span it acts as a burden on the small branches of the plant. In this situation staking acts as a saviour for the plant. 
• It is only practical to grow this variety when you want a lot of produce in one go. This may include fruits required for making, sauces, canning or making juices.
• Most of the paste found on the shelves of the grocery store are usually determinate varieties. For instance, San Marzona and Amish Paste.
  

  

What are indeterminate tomatoes?

These plants do not reach their maximum height at once, instead, they grow throughout the season. They bear fruit until it dies due to frost. They do not give a major harvest at once. 

This variety takes its time to grow taller before it starts producing ripened fruits. It is for this reason that they grow a little later in the season in comparison to determinate tomatoes. 

Things to keep in mind while growing indeterminate tomatoes-:

• Make sure to pinch back some of the suckers while growing this variety of tomatoes. It helps in avoiding the unmanageable growth related to this variety.
• While pinching, try not to pinch back a sucker that is directly below the blossom. This may result in reducing the blossom and also cause unmanageable growth.
• They need big cages which are sturdy enough to support these heavy plants that can grow up to 6 to 10 ft in height.

• In case, you want to eliminate the requirement of any support for the plant you can rather grow it upside down. This will allow proper sunlight to reach all parts of the plant. A good hanger can help the plants in case it gets heavy.
• The majority of the tomatoes found are usually indeterminate. The heirlooms and cherry types are popular ones. 
• Some popular indeterminate tomatoes are Brandywine, Beefsteak, Sweet Million and SunGold. 

What are better, determinate or indeterminate tomatoes?

As far as the growing conditions and products are considered both varieties have their banes and boons. The better variety for your garden stands on the length of the growing season decided by you and how you choose to use the tomatoes. 

In case, you want tomatoes with fewer seeds for making sauces, determinate variety stands as a better option. Whereas, in case you want a fresh supply of tomatoes throughout the season indeterminate tomatoes are a better option.

It also depends on the geography of the area you live in and the length of the growing season I’m the area. Considering the above-mentioned facts related to both varieties. It can be concluded that both varieties can be beneficial depending upon their utilization and the region in which it’s grown. 

Also Read: How To Grow A Snail Vine.