The Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes

Tomato season is one of the most exciting times in the garden. But when you’re picking out plants, you may notice two different types listed on the tag: determinate and indeterminate. What’s the difference?

Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes grow to a set height, produce most of their fruit over a short period, and then stop growing. They tend to stay more compact and require little staking or support.

These varieties are perfect if you enjoy harvesting a large batch all at once for canning, freezing, or making sauces. A classic example is the San Marzano tomato, well known for its rich flavor and sauce-making qualities.

If you like the idea of one big, productive harvest, determinate tomatoes are a great choice.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes grow differently. They continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire season until frost.

Because they keep growing, they need staking, cages, or trellising for support and can become quite tall. In return, they reward you with a steady supply of fresh tomatoes for months. Varieties like Buffalosteak are popular indeterminate types that keep producing over time.

If you enjoy picking fresh tomatoes week after week, indeterminate varieties are the way to go.

A Simple Way to Remember

• Determinate tomatoes give you one big harvest.

• Indeterminate tomatoes keep the harvest going.

Choosing the right type depends on how you like to garden and how you plan to use your tomatoes. Either way, there is nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato fresh from the vine.

Stay tuned for more garden tips from Hearthstone Botanical Gardens, and join us for upcoming workshops to grow with confidence this season.