Tomatoes determinate and indeterminate

A wide variety of varieties and hybrids of tomatoes creates certain difficulties for the gardener in choosing the right seed material. On colorful packaging, you can find a lot of advertising information about how delicious, big, sweet tomatoes they are and much more. However, in addition to definitions that are understandable to all, there are terms that are difficult for many vegetable growers. Take, for example, such a designation as determinant and indeterminate varieties of tomatoes, found on every package of seeds. What it is, and how these cultures differ, we will try to find out.

What are indeterminate tomatoes

Such a concept as indeterminate varieties of tomato indicates, first of all, that the culture is tall. In translation, this word means “without limitation.” It is clear that the bush cannot grow indefinitely. Usually the stem of the plant grows from 1,5 to 2 m in height. An exception may be tomato trees reaching a height of 6 m. A striking example is the Sprut variety. The culture has a strong branching and a developed root system. Such tomatoes are able to bring generous yields in the greenhouse and in the garden, but they are rarely grown at home due to their large size. Most often, indeterminate crops are preferred, up to 2 m high.

It is very profitable to grow indeterminate tomatoes in a greenhouse. Under these conditions, the growing season of the crop lasts at least a year, and sometimes more. One of the popular greenhouse varieties are tomatoes “Bull’s Heart” and “De Barao”. Having decided to acquire indeterminate tomatoes, you must be ready to build trellises. Long stems must be tied up. The second concern will be the removal of shoots, that is, pinching. If you ignore the pinching, a lot of unnecessary branches will grow from the main stem. They will only create splendor for the bush, and there will be little ovary.

Depending on the cultivar, indeterminate tomatoes can produce up to 45 bunches with lots of tomatoes in each. Most often, tall bushes form one stem, but two pieces are also allowed. The second method of formation is more acceptable for greenhouse cultivation on well-fertilized soil.

Growing indeterminate tomatoes in a greenhouse is justified by economic benefits. When using a minimum area, you can get a big harvest. Plants are planted at the rate of at least 30 cm² beds for 1 bush.

What are determinate tomatoes

A characteristic feature of determinant tomatoes is the short stature of the bushes. Usually the plant does not grow above 70 cm. The bush forms up to 5 brushes, and the first one is tied after the growth of a full-fledged 6 leaf. All subsequent inflorescences are laid through 2 sheets. After the ovary of the last 5 brush, the plant stops growing. Determinate tomatoes are most in demand by gardeners and can be grown in almost any conditions.

Greenhouse cultivation of determinant tomatoes is typical in cold regions. Sometimes undersized crops are planted in greenhouses in the south, but a very small amount, and then only for their own interest. Most determinant varieties do without pinching, and there are tomatoes that need to remove extra shoots. As for the garter, conditionally undersized bushes do not require this procedure. But if the plant has grown to 70 cm in height, under the weight of the fruit, it will surely fall to the ground. For the sake of accuracy of cultivation and to avoid rot of tomatoes, it is better to tie the bush to a wooden peg.

Varieties of determinant varieties

So, we figured out the determinant varieties, now it’s time to get acquainted with their varieties. The fact is that undersized tomatoes are divided into several subspecies:

• Tomatoes of the semi-determinant group in terms of plant height are often confused with indeterminate crops, since bushes can grow up to 1,5 m in height. However, culture has retained determinant and indeterminate features and is a middle link. On a semi-determinate plant, the first inflorescence is formed after the 7th leaf has grown. All subsequent ones appear after 2 or 3 leaves. The bush is able to form up to 11 brushes.
• Super determinant tomatoes have been bred for very early harvests. The fruits ripen together in about 50-60 days, after which a new ovary is not formed. Inflorescences appear on the plant every 2 leaves. The culture forms 4 brushes, after which its growth stops.
• The next subgroup is represented by super super determinant tomatoes. This includes super-early tomatoes and super-dwarf plants. The first inflorescence is formed after the growth of a full-fledged 5 leaf. All subsequent inflorescences appear through the leaf. Nearby, under one sheet, two brushes are formed at once. The growth of the stem stops after the laying of four inflorescences.
• Standard tomatoes are determined by the strong structure of the main stem with a developed bush. A powerful undersized plant is able to withstand the entire crop on itself without a garter to the stakes.

All these subspecies belong to determinate tomatoes, and it is rather difficult for an inexperienced person to distinguish them.

Looking for the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes

So, we figured out the basic definitions, now it remains to find out in more detail what is the difference between determinant tomatoes and indeterminate analogues. For visual reference, in the photo on the left you can see a determinant culture, and on the right is an indeterminate tomato. Which one to choose for your site depends on the purpose of the future crop.

The main feature of indeterminate crops is a long period of fruiting. Tomatoes ripen unfriendly and the harvest can be obtained throughout the season. One plant is able to bring in a season from 10 kg of fruits and more. However, with tall plants will have to work hard. Pinching and cutting off the lower leaves is required throughout the growing season.

Determinate tomatoes with an average bush height bring the harvest earlier. The fruits ripen together. The plant is usually formed with two stems and tied up only 1 time. Instead of a trellis, it is enough to drive a wooden peg into the ground. In greenhouse cultivation, the plant does not create abundant thickets and is able to give up to 10 kg of fruit. The first harvest from standard tomatoes can be obtained in June. Such plants can be grown even in flower pots. But don’t expect big yields. Standard culture bears fruit only 1 time.

Let’s find out what is the main difference between these two types of tomatoes, and by what signs can plants be distinguished from the first days of life:

• Cultures begin to differ in structure already 4 days after the appearance of sprouts. Differences are determined by the cotyledon knee. In a sprout of a determinant tomato, the knee has a length of 1 to 3 cm. The length of the knee of an indeterminate tomato is 3 to 5 cm. However, in low light, the sprout can stretch out and it will be difficult to determine its belonging to a group.
• On grown seedlings, you can determine belonging by the location of the inflorescence. In a determinant culture, the inflorescence appears under the 6th or 7th leaf, and in the indeterminate tomato, the first inflorescence is laid under the 9–12th leaf.
•  After the appearance of several brushes, it is difficult to determine whether an adult plant belongs to a particular group. This is due to different growing conditions. The surest way to determine is to count the number of leaves between the brushes: indeterminate variety – 3 leaves, determinant variety – less than 3 leaves.

It is still possible to distinguish an indeterminate adult plant by a shoot that does not end immediately after the brush. Such a structure with a limited shoot after the brush is typical for determinant tomatoes. However, if the stepson was pinched after the brush in a tall tomato, then you can make a mistake here. For reliability, it is still better to count the leaves.

The video shows determinant and indeterminate tomatoes:

Conclusion

That’s basically all the differences between determinant and indeterminate tomatoes. Which of them to choose for growing on your site, let the vegetable grower decide, taking into account the climatic conditions of his region, the choice of planting site, the purpose of the crop and other factors.