Tomatoes are commonly classified as Determinate or Indeterminate. What’s the difference?
Determinate Tomatoes, or “bush” tomatoes, are varieties that grow to a compact height (generally 3 – 4′). Determinates stop growing when fruit sets on the top bud. All the tomatoes from the plant ripen at approximately the same time (usually over period of 1- 2 weeks). They require a limited amount of staking for support and are perfectly suited for container
planting. Examples are: Rutgers, Roma, Celebrity (called a semi-determinate by some), and Marglobe.
Indeterminate Tomatoes will grow into vines and produce fruit until killed by frost. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet although 6 feet is normal. Indeterminates will bloom, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the season. They require substantial staking for support.
So what is your choice? The answer to that is why do you grow tomatoes? If you can tomatoes, or makes sauces and salsa’s then Determinate tomatoes are probably your best choice because you will have a good quantity all at the same time. If you like to have tomatoes to eat throughout the whole summer season right up until frost then indeterminate is probably your best choice. Examples are: Big Boy, most “cherry” types, Early Girl, and most heirloom varieties.
Or simply plant a supply of both.
