By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Dear Master Gardener, how can I tell the difference between a determinate and an indeterminate tomato?
Determinate tomatoes are small, compact plants that grow to a certain height, then flower and set all their fruit within a short time frame. The harvest period for determinate tomatoes is generally 4-6 weeks, making them good choices for canning and fresh consumption.
Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower, and set fruit until killed by the first fall frost. The fruit on indeterminate cultivars usually mature later than determinate tomatoes, but the harvest period often extends over 2-3 months. Yields are generally higher than determinate types. Indeterminate tomatoes are tall, sprawling plants that often perform best when supported by stakes or cages.