Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants. But not all tomato plants grow the same way. Some grow as bushes, while others grow as vines.
In this guide, you will learn:
The differences between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes
How to grow, support, prune, and harvest each type
The best varieties for your garden
Let’s find the best tomato for you!
Understanding Tomato Types
Tomato plants are divided into two main types: determinate and indeterminate. The difference is in how they grow and produce fruit.
- Determinate tomatoes grow as compact bushes. They stop growing after reaching a set height. Their fruit ripens all at once.
- Indeterminate tomatoes grow as long vines. They keep growing and producing tomatoes until frost.
There is also a third type called semi-determinate tomatoes. These grow like a mix of both types, staying compact but producing fruit longer.
If you’re new to gardening or looking to grow tomatoes, it’s helpful to learn about the different types. How to Grow Tomatoes at Home can give you a great start with practical tips on planting and care.
Now, let’s explore each type in detail.
What Are Indeterminate Tomatoes?
Indeterminate tomatoes grow as tall vines. They keep growing all season long until frost or disease kills them. They need strong support like stakes, trellises, or cages.
Key Features:
- Growth: Can reach 10 feet or more
- Fruit Production: Produces new tomatoes continuously
- Support Needed: Requires tall stakes, trellises, or wire cages
- Best Uses: Fresh eating, sandwiches, and salads
Popular indeterminate varieties include Beefsteak, Sungold, Brandywine, and Cherokee Purple.
What Are Determinate Tomatoes?
Determinate tomatoes grow as bushes and stop growing after reaching their full size (about 3–4 feet). They produce all their fruit at once, making them ideal for canning and preserving.
Key Features:
- Growth: Bushy, compact (3–4 feet tall)
- Fruit Production: All tomatoes ripen at the same time
- Support Needed: Needs small cages or stakes
- Best Uses: Great for canning and sauces
Popular determinate varieties include Roma, Celebrity, Better Bush, and San Marzano.
Key Differences Between Determinate & Indeterminate Tomatoes
Growth and Size Differences
| Feature | Determinate | Indeterminate |
| Growth Type | Bushy, compact | Vining, keeps growing |
| Height | 3–4 feet | Over 10 feet |
| Space Needed | Small gardens, containers | Large gardens, needs trellis |
Determinate tomatoes grow in a controlled way, while indeterminate tomatoes keep growing indefinitely.
When They Set Fruit
- Determinate: All fruit ripens at the same time within a few weeks.
- Indeterminate: Fruits continuously all season, until frost stops growth.
If you want a steady tomato supply, choose indeterminate. If you need one big harvest, go with determinate.
Trellis Support and Pruning Needs
- Determinate: Needs small cages or stakes. Pruning is not necessary.
- Indeterminate: Needs tall stakes or trellises. Pruning is essential to remove suckers and improve airflow.
Caring for Your Tomatoes
Tomatoes need proper support, watering, and sunlight to grow well. Different types need different levels of care.
Providing Support
- Determinate tomatoes need small cages or stakes to keep them upright.
- Indeterminate tomatoes need tall stakes, cattle panels, or trellises for strong support.
Use bamboo stakes, wooden stakes, wire cages, or T-posts for better stability. Secure the plant using tomato twine. Proper support keeps plants healthy and productive.
Tomatoes need proper care to grow strong and healthy. One important step is providing the right support. Learn How to Stake Tomatoes to give your plants the best chance to thrive.
Pruning
- Determinate tomatoes: Pruning is not needed because it reduces yield.
- Indeterminate tomatoes: Prune suckers and lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Use sharp pruning shears and trim early in the morning for best results.
To keep your indeterminate tomatoes growing well, pruning is key. If you’re unsure how to prevent common issues, check out How to Prevent Tomato Rot to keep your tomatoes healthy and free from disease.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Once your tomatoes ripen, it’s time to harvest! Knowing when to pick your tomatoes is important for the best flavor. Find out more about the Tomato Harvest Season to ensure you’re harvesting at the right time.
How to Harvest Indeterminate Tomatoes
- Pick tomatoes throughout the season when they turn red and firm.
- Check daily as they ripen continuously.
- Store at room temperature for better flavor.
How to Harvest Determinate Tomatoes
- Pick all tomatoes at once when they ripen.
- Use for canning, sauces, or freezing.
- Store in a cool place or process them immediately.
Choosing the Best Tomato for Your Garden
Which Tomato Type Should I Plant?
- Want all your tomatoes at once? → Determinate
- Want a steady supply all season? → Indeterminate
- Limited space? → Determinate
- Want fresh tomatoes daily? → Indeterminate
Recommended Varieties
Think about growing these determinate and indeterminate tomatoes in your garden.
Best Determinate Tomato Varieties
- Roma – Best for sauces
- Celebrity – Disease-resistant, great for salads
- Better Bush – Compact, perfect for containers
Best Indeterminate Tomato Varieties
- Beefsteak – Large, juicy tomatoes
- Sungold – Sweet cherry tomatoes
- Cherokee Purple – Unique flavor, heirloom variety
Common Tomato Varieties
Popular Determinate Tomato Varieties
- Roma
- San Marzano Nano
- Better Bush
- Marglobe
Popular Indeterminate Tomato Varieties
- Beefsteak
- Brandywine
- Black Cherry
- Green Zebra
Types of Tomatoes We Love to Grow!
Tomatoes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you like sweet cherry tomatoes, large slicing tomatoes, or paste tomatoes, there’s a variety for you!
Additional Tips & Resources
Symbols for Disease Resistance
Look for these disease resistance symbols when choosing seeds:
✔ V – Verticillium Wilt
✔ F – Fusarium Wilt
✔ N – Nematodes
✔ LB – Late Blight
More from The Spruce
Find more gardening tips and tomato-growing advice at The Spruce!
FAQs About Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes
1. Which tomato type is best for beginners?
Determinate tomatoes are best for beginners because they need less maintenance and support.
2. Can I grow indeterminate tomatoes in pots?
Yes, but you need a large container (at least 5 gallons) and a strong stake or cage.
3. Do determinate tomatoes taste different from indeterminate?
No, taste depends on the variety, not the growth type. Both can be sweet, tangy, or mild.
4. How do I know if my plant is determinate or indeterminate?
Check the growth pattern. Bushy with all fruit at once? Determinate. Vining with fruit all season? Indeterminate.
5. Can I grow both types in the same garden?
Absolutely! Grow determinate for canning and indeterminate for fresh eating.
Differences in Branch Formation of Tomato Types
Indeterminate tomato plants need to have side shoots removed before they grow too much. This helps them grow better. A study by Dr. K. Ohta and Dr. D. Ikeda talks about this. They looked at how tomatoes grow in winter and summer in the Netherlands. You can read more about it here.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes depends on your space, effort level, and how you want to use your harvest.
- Want a compact plant and a big harvest at once? → Choose determinate.
- Want fresh tomatoes all summer? → Choose indeterminate.
Whatever you choose, happy gardening!
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