What is the Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes

The main difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is that the determinate tomatoes produce fruit at an approximate time whereas the indeterminate tomatoes produce fruit throughout the season. Furthermore, determinate tomatoes grow to a compact height while indeterminate tomatoes can grow up to 6-12 feet.  

Tomatoes are edible, often red color berries moderately rich in vitamin C. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are two types of tomatoes classified based on the size and the ripening habits of the fruit. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What are Determinate Tomatoes
     – Definition, Growth, Ripening, Support
2. What are Indeterminate Tomatoes
     – Definition, Growth, Ripening, Support
3. What is the Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Determinate Tomatoes, Height, Indeterminate Tomatoes, Ripening, Support

What are Determinate Tomatoes 

Determinate tomatoes or bushy tomatoes are the small types of tomatoes which grow to a compact height. They stop growing when they set fruit buds at their tops. All the tomatoes in the plant will ripen at once within 1-2 weeks. 

Figure 1: Roma Tomatoes

Since determinate tomato plants are small, they do not require staking for the support of the plant. They will suite container planting better.  

What are Indeterminate Tomatoes 

Indeterminate tomatoes are the tomato varieties that grow larger. Their growth is indeterminate and they can grow until their frost. Therefore, some tomato plants may grow up to 12 feet and the normal height of them can be 6 feet. Since this type of tomato plants grow longer, their branches often require staking for support. Young plants can be pruned to increase the yield.  

Figure 2: Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes are perennials often cultivated as annuals. The fruit of this type of tomato plants occurs along the stem. They will produce fruit for a long period of time throughout the season. 

Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes 

Definition 

Determinate tomatoes refer to tomato varieties that grow to a fixed mature size and ripen all their fruit in a short period, usually about 2 weeks, while indeterminate tomatoes refer to tomato varieties that grow and produce their fruits until killed by frost. Hence, this explains the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes.

Size 

Furthermore, size is a visually distinguishable difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. While determinate tomatoes grow up to 3-4 inches, indeterminate tomatoes can grow up to 12 feet. 

Shape 

Also, determinate tomatoes are bushy while indeterminate tomatoes are vine tomatoes.  

Occurrence of the Fruit 

Moreover, the fruit of the determinate tomatoes occurs on the terminal of the plant while the fruit of the indeterminate tomatoes occurs along the stem. 

Fruit Ripening 

The main difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is that all the fruits of the determinate tomatoes ripen at the same time within a short period of time while indeterminate tomatoes produce fruits throughout the season. 

Support 

Also, determinate tomatoes require a limited staking for support and well-suited for planting in containers while indeterminate tomatoes require staking for support. 

Pruning 

One other difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is that while determinate tomatoes should not be pruned, indeterminate tomatoes can be pruned. 

Examples 

Some examples of determinate tomatoes are Roma, Rutgers, celebrity, and marglobe while some of the indeterminate tomatoes are big boy, beef master, cherry tomatoes, early girl, and heirloom.  

Conclusion

Determinate tomatoes are also called bushy tomatoes and they grow to a compact height. Their fruits ripen together. On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes are vining tomatoes whose fruits occur along the stem. Also, these fruits ripen throughout the season. Therefore, the main difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is the type of growth and ripening of the fruit.

Reference:

1. Cruz, Maria. “Everything You Need To Know About Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes.” Oola.com, Oola.com, 21 May 2018, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “550904” (CC0) via pxhere
2. “Green cherry tomatoes” By Sueska152 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia