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A wide variety of tomato varieties and hybrids creates certain difficulties for the gardener in choosing the right seed material. On the colorful packaging you can find a lot of advertising information about how tasty, large, sweet tomatoes are and much more. However, in addition to definitions that are understandable to everyone, there are terms that are difficult for many vegetable growers. Take, for example, the designation “determinate and indeterminate varieties of tomatoes” found on every package of seeds. We will try to find out what it is and how these cultures differ.
What are indeterminate tomatoes?
The concept of indeterminate tomato varieties indicates, first of all, that the crop is tall. Translated, this word means “without limitation.” It is clear that the bush cannot grow indefinitely. Typically, 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 “Octopus” variety. The culture has strong branching and a developed root system. Such tomatoes are capable of producing generous harvests in the greenhouse and in the garden, but they are rarely grown at home due to their large size. Most often, preference is given to indeterminate crops up to 2 m in height.
Very profitable indeterminate tomatoes grow in a greenhouse. Under these conditions, the growing season of the crop lasts at least a year, and sometimes more. Some of the popular greenhouse varieties are the “Bull’s Heart” and “De Barao” tomatoes. Having decided to acquire indeterminate tomatoes, you need to be prepared to build trellises. Long stems will definitely need to be tied up. The second concern will be the removal of shoots, that is, pinching. If you ignore pinching, many unnecessary branches will grow from the main stem. They will only create splendor for the bush, and there will be few ovaries.
Depending on the variety, indeterminate tomatoes can produce up to 45 clusters with a large number of tomatoes in each. Most often, tall bushes are formed with one stem, but two are 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. By using a minimum area you can get a large harvest. Plants are planted at a rate of at least 30 cm2 beds for 1 bush.
What are determinate tomatoes?
Characteristic determinate tomatoes - This is the short stature of the bushes. Usually the plant does not grow higher than 70 cm. The bush forms up to 5 clusters, and the first one is tied after the growth of a full 6 leaves.All subsequent inflorescences are laid through 2 leaves. After the ovary of the last 5 clusters, the plant stops growing. Determinate tomatoes are most in demand by gardeners and can be grown in almost any conditions.
Greenhouse cultivation of determinate tomatoes is typical in cold regions. Sometimes they plant short crops in greenhouses in the south, but a very small amount and then only for the sake of their own interest. Most determinate varieties do without pinching, but there are tomatoes that need to remove excess shoots. As for gartering, relatively low-growing bushes do not require this procedure. But if the plant has grown to 70 cm in height, it will definitely fall to the ground under the weight of the fruit. For the sake of careful cultivation and to avoid rotting tomatoes, it is better to tie the bush to a wooden peg.
Varieties of determinate varieties
So, we’ve dealt with determinate varieties, now it’s time to get acquainted with their varieties. The fact is that low-growing tomatoes are divided into several subspecies:
- Semi-determinate tomatoes In terms of height, the plants are often confused with indeterminate crops, since the bushes can grow up to 1.5 m in height. However, culture has retained determinant and indeterminate characteristics and is the middle link. On a semi-determinate plant, the first inflorescence is formed after the growth of the 7th leaf. All subsequent ones appear after 2 or 3 leaves. The bush is capable of forming up to 11 brushes.
- Superdeterminate tomatoes have been bred to produce very early harvests. The fruits ripen in about 50–60 days, after which a new ovary does not form. 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-superdeterminate tomatoes. This includes super-early tomatoes and super-dwarf plants. The first inflorescence is formed after the growth of a full-fledged 5th leaf. All subsequent inflorescences appear through the leaf. Two brushes are formed side by side under one sheet. The growth of the stem stops after the formation of four inflorescences.
- Standard tomatoes are defined by the strong structure of the main stem with a developed bush. A powerful, low-growing plant that can support the entire harvest without being tied to stakes.
All these subspecies belong to determinate tomatoes, and it is quite difficult for an inexperienced person to distinguish them.
Looking for the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes
So, we have dealt with the basic definitions, now it remains to find out in more detail what is the difference between determinate tomatoes and indeterminate analogues. For visual reference, in the photo on the left you can see a determinate crop, and on the right is an indeterminate tomato. Which one to choose for your plot depends on the purpose of the future harvest.
The main feature of indeterminate crops is the long period of fruiting. Tomatoes ripen unevenly and the harvest can be obtained throughout the entire season. One plant can produce 10 kg of fruit or more per season. However, with tall plants you will have to work hard.Pruning and tearing off the lower leaves must be done throughout the entire growing season.
Determinate tomatoes with an average bush height bear fruit earlier. The fruits ripen together. The plant is usually formed with two stems and tied only once. Instead of a trellis, just drive a wooden peg into the ground. When grown in greenhouses, the plant does not create abundant thickets and can produce up to 10 kg of fruit. First harvest from standard tomatoes available in June. Such plants can even be grown in flower pots. But you don’t need to count on large harvests. A standard crop bears fruit only once.
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:
- Crops begin to differ in structure already 4 days after the sprouts appear. Differences are determined by the cotyledon. In a sprout of a determinate tomato, the knee has a length of 1 to 3 cm. The length of the knee of an indeterminate tomato ranges from 3 to 5 cm. However, in low light, the sprout can stretch out and it will be difficult to determine its belonging to the group.
- On grown seedlings, you can determine the identity by the location of the inflorescence. In a determinate culture, the inflorescence appears under the 6th or 7th leaf, and in an indeterminate tomato, the first inflorescence appears under the 9th–12th leaf.
- After several clusters appear, it is difficult to determine whether an adult plant belongs to a particular group. This is due to different growing conditions. The most accurate way to determine is to count the number of leaves between the clusters: indeterminate variety - 3 leaves, determinate variety - less than 3 leaves.
An indeterminate adult plant can also be distinguished by its shoot, which does not end immediately after the raceme. This structure with limited shoots after the raceme is characteristic of determinate tomatoes. However, if you pinched the stepson after the brush of a tall tomato, then you can make a mistake here. To be on the safe side, it is still better to count the leaves.
The video shows determinate and indeterminate tomatoes:
Conclusion
That’s basically all the differences between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. Which of them to choose for growing on your plot, let the vegetable grower decide, taking into account the climatic conditions of his region, the choice of planting location, the purpose of the crop and other factors.
