Determinant and indeterminate tomato varieties: main differences and selection rules

Before starting the cultivation of tomatoes on a personal plot, the grower should determine not only the variety, but also the variety of tomato, on which the cultivation of the plant and its properties depend.

General concept and features

Varieties and hybrids of tomatoes by the nature of growth are divided into indeterminate and determinant. To make the right choice in favor of one or another type, you need to have at least a general idea of ​​the differences, advantages and disadvantages of these varieties.

Determinant Tomatoes

The word "determinant" comes from the Latin "determination", which means "restriction". Regarding tomatoes, this term implies limiting the growth of the apical center during the formation of a peduncle in this area. Fruits on the brush are formed at the end of the shoots, which stops their development. Such low-growing varieties belong to early ripening, but are characterized by low productivity. When cultivating tomatoes in the open field, as well as in the northern regions, one should give preference to determinants.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

The term "indeterminate" is translated from Latin as "unlimited". Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes have unlimited growth, but are always very demanding in the care. Tall varieties are not characterized by early maturity, but their productivity is quite high. When cultivating tomatoes in the southern regions or in greenhouse conditions, it is recommended to pay attention to such varieties. Indeterminate tomatoes are characterized by the fact that inflorescences are formed on the site after the 6-10th leaf.

Determinant Tomatoes: Growing and Care

Types of Determinant Tomatoes

This type of tomato combines four varieties that are quite popular with most vegetable growers. They have some differences that should be considered when growing.

Semi-determinant

Quite often, this variety is perceived by gardeners as an indeterminate variety. However, semi-determinant varieties are characterized by an intermediate type of branching, in which bush growth is limited when 10-12 peduncles are formed. Such brushes with ovaries are laid in 2 or 3 of these sheets. The first brush is formed after the 7-8th sheet.

Purely determinant

On the bushes of such tomatoes, the formation of flower brushes is observed in less than 3 leaves, and after the appearance of 5-6 brushes on the shoot, the last flower brush stops growing the stem. In this case the first peduncle is formed after the 6-7th tomato leaf. Growth continues from the axillary bud, which is located at the bottom of the leaf.

Superdeterminant

Superdeterminant varieties of tomatoes are among the most precocious. On such bushes, flower brushes are laid in 1, less often in 2 sheets. After 4 or 5 peduncles are formed on the plant, an shoot appears. Plant growth is limited by a flower brush.

Superdeterminant

This type combines super-dwarf and super-ripe varieties of tomatoes. Such tomato bushes form at the same time 2 or 3 flower brushes that are not separated by intermediate leaves. The growth of the shoot is limited after the formation of three or four peduncles. The bookmark of the first brush is observed after the fifth real sheet. The next peduncle may form through the leaf.

The main differences

Differences between determinant and indeterminate varieties are manifested at different stages of development of tomato bushes.

Seedlings

The difference between the seed of the species is not noticeable. The first differences appear at the seedling stage and are especially clearly visible on the fifth day after emergence. Determinant varieties have a cotyledonary knee no more than three centimeters long. The cotyledonary knee of indeterminate varieties can reach a length of five centimeters.

Seedlings

The basis of the definition is the location of the first flower brush, or peduncle, on an already grown seedling. On determinant tomato bushes, a flower stalk is formed no higher than the 6-7th leaf. For indeterminate varieties, the appearance of the first peduncle is characteristic not earlier than the 8-9th leaf.

Adult bushes

As a rule, by this moment it is already becoming apparent what specific plant species is cultivated in the infield. On indeterminate tomatoes, there are three leaves between peduncles, and on determinant varieties, less than three leaves.

After reading the corresponding article on our resource, you can learn about the technology of growing tomatoes on the windowsill.

The best determinant and indeterminate varieties

Determinant tomatoes are ideally suited both for cultivation in the open ground, and for growing in greenhouses, and the choice of variety depends on climatic conditions in the cultivation region.

Indeterminate tomatoes are tall plants that form a large number of fruits, which makes them very popular among vegetable growers. The selection of such varieties is optimal for cultivation in greenhouse constructions.

Of course, the choice of the type and variety of tomatoes depends not only on the personal preferences of the vegetable grower and should be based on the conditions of cultivation. The climatic and weather conditions in the cultivation area should be taken into account. Subject to agricultural technology, even undersized varieties are able to produce a high tomato crop.

Growing indeterminate tomatoes