Certain and indefinite tomatoes make a big difference. In this post I will explain what these terms mean and how to recognize the difference between the two types of tomato plants. Then I will discuss the pros and cons and show you how to decide which variety to grow.
How To Tell Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes
This is the question most new gardeners ask themselves when they start growing vegetables. You can see the difference between certain and indeterminate tomatoes. If those words sound complicated, don’t worry. If you know the difference, you will be able to recognize it simply by looking at the plant.
Before I talk about specific and indefinite tomatoes, I will talk at length about each variety. I will include pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your needs.
DETERMINATE VS INDETERMINATE TOMATOES
Don’t be intimidated by it. You may have heard the terms determined and vague in relation to tomatoes and wonder what they mean. They are fantasy words used to distinguish the size and growth habits of two types of tomato plants.
The word determinate means to have a fixed maximum size limit. This makes me think of a small, compact plant. The word indefinite means that there is no fixed limit and the size is indefinite. This makes me think of a large vine-like plant.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDETERMINATE & DETERMINATE TOMATOES?
Indeterminate tomatoes are large plants with long, flexible branches. They bear fruit throughout the growing season. These are small shrubs or plants that grow up to a certain size. D determine tomatoes produce all their fruits at once.
HOW TO TELL DETERMINATE FROM INDETERMINATE TOMATOES
When it comes to finding out whether it is a specific or indeterminate tomato, the difference cannot be seen solely from the seed or the seedling. Before purchasing, it is important to check the labelling on the seed package. When the plant matures, it will be easier to identify the differences based on the size of the plant and the growing habits.
Indeterminate tomatoes produce fruit only on the stalk. Certain plants produce their fruits at the end of the branches.
DETERMINATE TOMATOES
If you cannot tell the difference between indeterminate tomatoes and certain tomatoes from seedlings or seeds, all you have to do is read the label and find out. But of course you can also grow certain varieties in your garden. They are on the market as bushes, patio and pot plants and can be grown on small areas or in pots.
WHAT DOES DETERMINATE TOMATO MEAN?
These types of tomato plants do not grow very high. They can be planted in the garden or grown in pots or pots. They thrive very well in pots, which means they can be grown anywhere – on the terrace, on the deck or on the balcony. As already mentioned, certain tomatoes are of a certain size and stop growing very quickly.
HOW LONG DO DETERMINATE TOMATOES PRODUCE?
The tomatoes are usually smaller and certain tomato plants are not as productive as unspecified varieties. The plants stop growing as soon as they begin to bear fruit. The tomatoes ripen much faster than the indefinite ones.
Some Gardeners See This As A Disadvantage’
Some gardeners see this as a disadvantage for those who want to enjoy fresh tomatoes in summer. Certain varieties tend to have a shorter growing season, which means that tomatoes ripen more slowly. Be sure to buy a few different varieties with different maturity dates and staggs before planting. This helps you to have a longer harvest time.
HOW BIG DO DETERMINATE TOMATOES GET?
They do not grow as tall as indefinite varieties, so they need some sort of support. Normally, a tomato cage or planting stake is sufficient to prevent them from toppling over if they are littered with fruit. The full height of a plant depends on the variety you grow, but most tomato plants grow to about 2-4 “tall. Semi-specific varieties grow much higher, but they retain their compact shape.
DETERMINATE TOMATO VARIETIES LIST
The majority of tomato plants are indeterminate, but there are certain varieties to choose from nowadays. In fact, some of the most common “indefinite” varieties are actually bred to be determined. Here are a few of my favorite tomato varieties: Glacier Bush, Celebrity, Italian Roma, Early Girl Bush, Red Pride and Super Bush.
INDETERMINATE TOMATOES
Indeterminate tomatoes must not be labelled as such, which can make it difficult to find out what you are buying. In my experience, tomato plants that are not labelled as terrace, bush or container varieties are indeterminate. So if there is nothing on the label, it is best to look up the variety before you buy, so you know exactly what you are getting. You don’t have to be content with what’s out there.
WHAT DOES INDETERMINATE MEAN IN TOMATOES?
Unspecified tomatoes have no fixed size limit. They continue to grow until frost kills them. As they grow larger, the vines branch out and grow without vertical support. They can become huge monsters and are best suited to grow in large garden plots where they have plenty of space to branch out. In this case, you can prune tomato plants heavily to control their size.
HOW LONG DO INDETERMINATE TOMATOES PRODUCE?
If, like me, you have a short growing season, you should plant indefinite tomatoes as early as possible to give them enough time to ripen. You need longer to start production. Once they have started, they will last until the frost. Indeterminate tomatoes are heavy producers and produce more fruit than certain varieties. The fruit is larger, but most indefinite varieties ripen slowly.
HOW BIG DO INDETERMINATE TOMATOES GET?
The full size of the plants varies by species, but indefinite tomatoes can reach breathtaking heights. While most plants grow 6 to 8 tall and compact, some indefinite varieties can be much smaller. It is not uncommon to hear of plants growing 12 to 15 meters high.
Plants are often referred to as “vine plants,” although they are not real vines. They have long branches and need poles to keep them upright.
Indeterminate tomatoes can be grown in a stable tomato cage. Vulnerable branches can grow on a vertical support frame or a slender trellis.
LIST OF INDETERMINATE TOMATOES
When it comes to selecting indefinite varieties, you have a lot of options. Your biggest battle will be deciding which variety you want to grow. As I said, most tomato varieties can be planted indefinitely. Some of my personal favorites for indefinite tomatoes are Beefsteak (Big Boy), Big Boy Red Cherry, Sweet 100, Brandywine, Early Girl and Cherokee Purple.
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH TYPE OF TOMATO PLANT TO GROW
It is difficult to choose between certain and indeterminate tomatoes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and you have to figure it out. I like to grow a few varieties of both in the summer. So I can enjoy the benefits of both. You don’t have to choose one or the other, you can grow both.
Now that you know the difference between certain tomatoes and indeterminate tomatoes, you will be able to make a more informed decision about which variety to grow. Remember, if a plant is not larger than 2 / 4, “it is a specific variety. If it becomes gigantic and requires constant staking, it is vague.
