Tomatoes 101: Understand the Differences Between Determinate and Indeterminate
Uncertain or Predetermined Tomatoes: Examining the Nature of Tomato Development
Ever wondered why your tomato plants grow differently? Well, it's all about whether they're determinate or indeterminate. Let's dive into the deets, thanks to Mags Mills for this juicy take.
Tomato Plant Basics:Get to know your tomato plants and their habits. It's not just about whether they're a cordon (cordon) or bush variety. It's where the plant produces its flower/fruit trusses that matters. Here's the lowdown on determinate and indeterminate varieties.
Determinate Tomatoes:These suckers grow their fruit at the end of a shoot which stops growing and other shoots grow and produce in a truss. Leave 'em alone. They spread out further and may need a cage for support, especially for large fruited varieties. They produce all their fruit over a short period and then die off.
Indeterminate Tomatoes:These varmints produce trusses along the stem(s) and keep growing. They can produce for up to a year and reach 5m with commercial glasshouse production. To keep things manageable, "laying" is used to keep the productive part at a workable height. They require support and regular tying to a cane or suspended twine. Remove side shoots to avoid a jungle that blocks air flow, picking, and spread of disease.
Occasional Surprises:You might encounter Semi-Determinate varieties that finish around 1.5m to 2m, like homegrown ones. They're usually grown like indeterminate varieties, with most side shoots removed.
Multiple Main Stems Should You Go There?Commercial growers sometimes let one or two side shoots grow early to produce multiple main stems, usually with smaller fruited varieties. It might not make a big difference in homegrowing, so why not experiment this summer? ❤️🍅❤️
Guest Post by Mags MillsThanks a bunch to Mags Mills for sharing her tomato knowledge with us!
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Incorporating the 'lifestyle', 'home-and-garden', and 'gardening' words into the context:- Maintaining and growing your own tomatoes can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of your home-and-garden lifestyle, offering the chance to appreciate the differences between determinate and indeterminate varieties.- Learning about the growth habits of determinate and indeterminate tomatoes can be an essential aspect of your gardening journey, contributing to a thriving home-and-garden lifestyle.
