The decision of which tomato variety to plant begins with understanding the fundamental difference in growth habits between determinate and indeterminate types. This classification dictates how the plant will grow, how much space it will require, and when the harvest will occur. Knowing whether a variety is indeterminate is important for garden planning, especially regarding necessary support structures and ongoing plant care.
Understanding Growth Habits
Indeterminate tomato plants are often referred to as “vining” types because they exhibit continuous vegetative growth throughout the entire growing season. These plants do not terminate their growth with a flower cluster, meaning the main stem continues to lengthen and produce new leaves, flowers, and fruit until the first frost kills the plant. A single indeterminate vine can easily reach heights of six to twelve feet, which is why they tend to sprawl without proper support.
This continuous growth pattern results in a steady, prolonged harvest of tomatoes from mid-summer until the end of the season. New flowers and fruit form progressively as the vine extends, providing a consistent supply for fresh eating. By contrast, determinate varieties, known as “bush” types, grow to a fixed height, usually three to four feet, and set most of their fruit within a short period of a few weeks before the plant’s life cycle begins to wind down.
The structural difference means determinate plants are generally more compact, with fruit clusters concentrated at the end of stems, making them well-suited for container gardening or small spaces. The decision between the two often depends on whether a gardener prefers a large, single harvest for canning or a continuous supply for daily consumption.
Managing Indeterminate Tomato Plants
The continuous growth of indeterminate tomatoes necessitates proactive structural management to prevent sprawling. Providing strong support is mandatory, as these vines become heavy with foliage and fruit, making them susceptible to breakage. Common methods include staking with tall, sturdy poles, using large wire tomato cages, or employing a trellising system that allows the vine to be tied and trained vertically.
For staking, poles should be seven to eight feet high and pushed deeply into the soil near the base of the plant at the time of planting to avoid root damage later. As the plant grows, the main stem needs to be secured to the support every six to eight inches to keep it upright and off the ground. Another technique is the “Florida weave,” where stakes are placed between every other plant in a row, and twine is woven between the plants and around the stakes to create a supporting wall.
Regular pruning is also an important technique for indeterminate varieties, typically involving the removal of “suckers,” which are new shoots that emerge in the “V” where a leaf stem meets the main stem. Removing these suckers directs the plant’s energy toward developing the existing fruit and main stem, rather than producing excessive foliage and new vines. This practice also improves air circulation within the dense canopy, which helps reduce the risk of common fungal diseases.
Identifying Common Indeterminate Varieties
Many of the most popular and flavorful tomato varieties are indeterminate. Most heirloom tomatoes, which are treasured for their unique flavors and colors, fall into the indeterminate category. Examples of indeterminate heirloom slicing tomatoes include the large, ribbed ‘Brandywine,’ the dark-hued ‘Black Krim,’ and the smoky-flavored ‘Cherokee Purple’.
Many cherry and grape tomatoes, which are ideal for snacking, are also indeterminate, yielding small, sweet fruit over many months. Popular indeterminate cherry varieties include the prolific ‘Sungold’ and ‘Sweet Million’. Additionally, many large slicing tomatoes, often generically referred to as Beefsteaks, are indeterminate, producing massive, meaty fruits that are perfect for sandwiches.
While general categories can be helpful, the most reliable way to confirm a tomato plant’s growth habit is by checking the seed packet or the label on a nursery plant. The label will explicitly state whether the variety is “indeterminate” or “determinate,” or sometimes use the terms “vining” or “bush” respectively. This practice is especially important for paste tomatoes like ‘Roma’ or ‘San Marzano,’ which have varieties that are both determinate and indeterminate.