Determinant Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes or “bush” tomatoes are varieties that grow to a fixed mature size or compact height (approximately 4 feet) and ripen all their fruit in a short period, usually about 2 weeks. Once this first flush of fruit has ripened, the plant will begin to die.

Determinate tomato varieties are generally smaller than indeterminate tomatoes, with most growing to a compact 4-5 feet. Pruning and removing suckers from determinate tomatoes is not recommended as it will reduce the crop yield. They may require a limited amount of caging or staking for support since the concentrated fruit set can contribute considerable weight to the branches.

Most determinants will perform relatively well in a container (minimum size of 5-6 gallon), some dwarf varieties are specifically grown for containers, see Small Garden and Container Tomato listing for varieties.
Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes are also called "vining" tomatoes. They will grow and produce fruit until killed by frost and can reach heights of up to 10 feet although 6 feet is considered the norm. They will bloom, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the growing season.
They require substantial caging and/or staking for support and pruning and the removal of suckers is practiced by many but is not mandatory. Because of the need for substantial support and the size of the plants, indeterminate varieties are not usually recommended as container plants.

View our plant inventory or place your pre-order for plants now!