What are determinate tomatoes, the best varieties for greenhouses and open ground

Determinate varieties of tomatoes differ from indeterminate ones in that the plants themselves stop growing after the formation of 3 - 5 inflorescences. Although it is possible to form 6 inflorescences, this is less common. Gardeners call this process “topping”; this is when the last ovary is formed and the plant stops growing. Important
. The first ovary is formed after 5 - 7 leaves, and then inflorescences are obtained after 1 - 2 leaves. The height of the plant can be from 0.6 m to 1 m.

And yet, determinate varieties of tomatoes can be super-determinant and standard. Such varieties are usually low-growing (30 cm - 60 cm), and they do not need to be pinched or tied up. Here, leave 2 - 3 brushes, and then the process proceeds in the same way as with determinate tomatoes. By the way, in some cases, stepsoning is not avoided here either. It all depends on the growing conditions.

Typically, such varieties are grown in open ground or greenhouses. They don't need much space because they are short. Also, determinate varieties are most often early or mid-season, which can grow even in a short summer. Further in the article, we will consider the best varieties of determinant type and choose what we need. Go?

What is included in the concept of a determinate variety?

Having found out what determinate tomatoes are, every gardener will know whether they are worth growing or not. Let's take a closer look at what determinacy means and everything connected with this concept.

Determinant is translated as “determinant”. If this concept is applied to plants, then it means that the plant grows only to a certain height and will not stretch higher.

For example, determinate tomatoes stop growing when a flower cluster appears at the top. If you don't want to grow a lot of tomatoes, then determinants are the best choice. In addition to growth, these varieties are distinguished by the fact that they produce an earlier harvest.

If your goal is to get a huge tomato harvest, then you need to choose indeterminate varieties.

What differences should be taken into account when choosing a variety?

There are several different signs. The main difference is not the height of the bush, but how it develops when clusters with ovaries appear.

Indeterminate tomatoes will grow upward for a long time and produce fruit throughout the season. Determinate plants stop growing when a certain number of clusters with flowers are formed.

Determinate and indeterminate varieties also differ in the timing of seed sowing.

In the middle zone, sowing dates are as follows:

• indeterminate tomatoes - in early March;
• semi-determinant - in mid-March;
• determinate - sow at the end of March.

Determinism

It is often difficult for inexperienced gardeners to understand the meaning of this term indicated in the information on the seed package.

What does determinate tomato varieties mean?

The term determinacy means that the height of the tomato bush will be limited.

The growth of the bush is limited when the flower raceme appears. After the flowers appear, fruit ovaries gradually form on it. Further growth of the bush is ensured by a strong stepson. It appears in the axil of the leaf, directly above which is the plant apical brush.

If the gardener’s goal is not to grow tomatoes on an industrial scale, but there is a desire to collect the first fruits as early as possible, you should opt for determinate varieties.

If you need to grow the maximum number of tomatoes, it is better to choose indeterminate species, the growth of the bushes is not limited; their growth can reach 2-3 m.

The main differences between determinate and indeterminate and other tomatoes

Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes can be distinguished by seeds, seedlings and mature bushes.

How are the seeds different?

Sometimes on packets of tomato seeds you can read: low-growing, medium-growing and tall-growing varieties. This definition will tell you little about the variety.

Among the indeterminates there are also short stature ones. And there are determinate tomatoes that have a tall stem. They are bred for growing in greenhouses.

When choosing seeds, you should pay attention to the inscription - is it a hybrid or a pure variety.

Better to buy a hybrid. Hybrids are more hardy, get sick less, rarely succumb to insect attacks, produce more fruit and ripen earlier.

The difference is in the seedlings

The main differences in tomatoes can be seen starting with the seedlings. Having examined the sprouts, we notice that the height of the cotyledon is different. In determinate varieties it will be only 1-2 centimeters, in indeterminate varieties the knee will stretch to 4-5 centimeters.

The age of seedlings for planting in a permanent place is also different. Determinate tomatoes are ready for planting in the ground 55–60 days after sowing the seeds. Non-determinant - only after 65–75 days.

The type of bush can also be determined by the seedlings. On the determinant, the brush with flowers will set when the 5th or 6th leaf appears on the bush; on the indeterminate, after 8-10.

Some determinate varieties can be planted directly into the ground, but such manipulation will not work with tall specimens.

Mature bushes differences

The different formation of the trunk is also a noticeable difference. The determinate plant has 2 or 3 leaves between the ovaries; a flower raceme is formed at the top of the stem to complete growth. Indeterminate types of bushes always grow only 3 leaves between the ovaries.

Determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties: what is the difference?

How to distinguish representatives of these groups from each other? Height will not be the main indicator, since today there are indeta varieties that have small bushes and tall determinate hybrids have been bred. So, the differences:

1. The first flower cluster is formed in children after 6-7 leaves, and in the group of indeterminate tomatoes - no earlier than after 8-9 leaves.
2. The cotyledon of seedlings in determinate plants will be approximately 1-3 cm. In indets it is longer and varies from 3 to 5 cm.

ON A NOTE! This indicator can be violated in conditions where tomato seedlings stretch out due to lack of lighting.

1. Inflorescences in determinate tomatoes are formed through two leaves. In indeterminate varieties and hybrids, the buds usually form through three leaves.
2. The growth of determinate plants is completed with a brush, but indets require pinching, as they can outgrow the height of the greenhouse.

Types of determinate varieties and hybrids

The determinate tomato variety is divided into four types. The division is based on:

• bush growth,
• number of flower brushes,
• ripening time and
• productivity.

Division into types:

• semi-determinate,
• determinant,
• superdeterminant,
• super-superdeterminant.

Semi-determinate varieties

What does this look mean? It has mixed properties, so it is easy to confuse it with indeterminate species. Growing up to 2 meters, this variety or hybrid is convenient for growing where it is necessary to save planting area. Tied to a trellis, the bush will take up less space.

On the main stem, the first brush is formed after 7-8 leaves, and on the lateral branches - after 3-5 leaves. The next tassels appear after 2, and sometimes after 3 sheets. After the formation of 10-12 brushes, the bush stops growing upward.

High yield and excellent taste of the fruit make this species popular.

Semi-determinate hybrids or varieties are most suitable for greenhouses. Despite the wishes of the manufacturers not to tie them up, they need a tie-down. The weight of the fruit may cause the bushes to break.

Determinant

Determinate tomatoes, varieties of which are attracted not only by their names, but also by their characteristics, are frequent guests in the greenhouses of summer residents.

Many determinate varieties are also suitable for growing in open ground.

Determinate variety of tomatoes, what is it? The bushes of these tomatoes are not tall. The first ovary forms above the 6-7th leaf. Plants produce a harvest not early, but not too late, just when the early varieties have already reached the table.

The hybrid has a compact bush of low stature. After the brush appears on the top of the bush, it stops growing. The fruits are quite large, up to 150 g), very tasty. But they are not intended for long-term storage.

Superdeterminant

These plants are characterized by shorter growth, but early fruiting. Their first peduncle lies above the 4-5 leaf. The tomato does not need much time to grow these leaves, which is what determines its early ripening.

Tomatoes manage to produce a good harvest before the onset of unfavorable conditions. At the same time, they do not need gartering or pinching.

Superdeterminate varieties may differ from other determinants in their resistance to adverse conditions that occur in nature.

They grow well in open ground in the middle zone. The fruits have time to ripen before the onset of autumn rains and cold weather.

Supersuperdeterminant

Superdeterminants yield the harvest together and quickly. You can't expect any more tomatoes from them.

They also have a subspecies - super-superdeterminant. This tomato variety is distinguished by its ultra-earliness and low growth. The height of the stem can reach 45-60 cm.

The culture makes it possible to get the earliest harvest, before late blight begins. The first raceme appears above the 6th leaf, and then grows through 1 leaf or close to each other.

Popular varieties

Determinate tomatoes are presented in a wide range of varieties and hybrids; their fruits differ in shape, color, purpose and ripening period. To make it easier to figure out which ones are better and choose the right one, you should familiarize yourself with the list of varieties that are optimal, according to experienced gardeners.

The rating of determinate varieties includes the following crops:

The most common and productive varieties of indeterminate type include: Happiness F1, Major, Sprut, Alcor F1, Andryushka F1, Verlioka F1, Miracle of the Earth and many others. With proper agricultural technology, these hybrids produce high yields of tasty and large tomatoes, the use of which is universal.

Advantages

What are the advantages and disadvantages of determinate and indeterminate varieties?

The main advantage of indeterminate species is that even in a small area you can plant several bushes, and harvest the same as from a large garden bed.

Harvest in the amount of 14-16 kg of fruits per 1 sq. meter is considered very good.

Indeterminate tomatoes have other advantages:

• The fruits have a good taste, are juicy and fleshy.
• They are resistant to fungal diseases.
• Good growth conditions can be created for these hybrids thanks to vertical staking.
• Forming a bush and plucking stepsons is easier than with other species.
• Long-term fruiting is of great importance, which is the most important advantage.

Determinate tomato also has its advantages. Advantages: early fruit ripening, high yields. Good fruit taste.

General concept and features

Tomato varieties and hybrids are divided into indeterminate and determinate based on their growth patterns. To make the right choice in favor of one type or another, you need to have at least a general understanding of the differences, advantages and disadvantages of these varieties.

Determinate tomatoes

The word "determinant" comes from the Latin "determination", which means "limitation". Regarding tomatoes, this term implies a limitation of the growth of the apical center during the formation of a peduncle in this area. The fruits on the cluster are formed at the end of the shoots, which stops their development. Such low-growing varieties are early ripening, but are characterized by low yield. When cultivating tomatoes in open ground, as well as in northern regions, preference should be given to determinant ones.

Indeterminate tomatoes

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

Flaws

Each type has its own disadvantages. Indeterminate tomatoes need support and staking. When planted early in a greenhouse, the crop needs artificial lighting and heating. Early flowering of the crop requires such additional care.

Deterministic culture has its disadvantages:

• A determinate plant produces less yield because the bush is limited in growth.
• Tomatoes are very demanding of mineral fertilizers.
• Stepping should be carried out once every 10 days.
• Due to reduced immunity, people get sick more often.

From the above pros and cons, it is clear that you need to choose both types for planting. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes will help you always have a harvest of delicious tomatoes.

You can also grow other varieties of tomatoes, for example, standard ones. These varieties are shaped like a small tree with a pronounced main trunk.

To understand what each name of a variety or hybrid means, just look at the picture.

Advantages and disadvantages of each of these types

Determinant

Advantages

• Early ripening variety;
• Early yield;
• The formation, growth and ripening of all fruits of the bush are not extended over a long period.

Flaws

• Relatively low overall yield compared to other species due to the limited growth of the bush;
• To improve productivity, frequent mineral fertilizing is required;
• It is necessary to regularly trim the bushes 3 times a month;
• Predisposition to diseases characteristic of tomatoes.

Reference! Determinate varieties are less productive than indeterminate varieties.

List of varieties:

• White filling;
• Demidov;
• Gina TST;
• La La Fa;
• Honey-sugar;
• Nevsky;
• Rocket.

Indeterminate

Advantages

• The ability to harvest a good harvest in small areas;
• Resistance to tomato diseases;
• Long-term fruiting (sometimes until October);
• Comfortable harvesting, it can be harvested while standing (tall bushes).

Flaws:

• The need to install supports for bushes;
• They require a long warm period, which is why they are more suitable for the southern regions;
• Removing stepchildren is of great importance, since bushes should be formed exclusively into 1 stem.

List of varieties:

• Ox heart;
• Marshmallows in chocolate;
• Christina plume;
• Right size;
• Star Gold;
• Cherokee;
• Miracle of the Earth.

Standard

Advantages:

• Low and strong stem, no garter required;
• The shallow location of the root system allows the plant to effectively absorb nutrients from the upper layers of the soil that come in the process of watering and fertilizing tomatoes;
• Dense planting of bushes is acceptable;
• Tolerates temperature changes and drought well;
• Rapid growth of vegetative mass without additional effort;
• The absence of stepchildren reduces labor costs for care;
• Long shelf life of fruits;
• The fruits do not spoil during transportation.

Reference! It should be noted the low growth of standard varieties, due to which they do not need to be tied up.

disadvantages , however, we note that these plants require frequent watering, since their root system is located close to the soil surface.

List of varieties:

• Alpha;
• Amur standard;
• Antoshka;
• Cheerful gnome;
• Gavroche;
• Far North;
• Standard Buyan.

When choosing the type of variety that you plan to grow, you should carefully study the positive and negative aspects of the varieties described above.

Watch the video! Determinate and indeterminate varieties of tomatoes

The best determinate varieties of tomatoes

To choose the best determinate variety, you need to read the description of a whole list of varieties, and then choose the one you like best.

Even by the name you can evaluate the merits of each tomato variety.

Eagle beak

“Eagle Beak” can be called the most unpretentious and tasty among the mid-early ones.

The large size of raspberry tomatoes is attractive. The fruits can be stored for a very long time. They are also good because they ripen quickly during storage.

It is pollinated by bees, so it can be grown in an open garden. Due to its high growth, it produces a large harvest. Not afraid of cold weather.

Honey saved

Tall, mid-season, very reliable variety, with heart-shaped fruits. The fruits are fleshy and sweet. When ripe they are orange in color.

It must be tied to a support so that it does not break under the weight of the harvest. When grown in the garden, most of the crop ripens on the vine. The fruit produces delicious juice.

Max

Early ripening determinant with large dark red tasty tomatoes. Requires gartering and removal of stepsons.

Newbie

The mid-early variety is suitable for growing in the southern regions. The compact bush is strewn with orange fruits. Does not require breaking of stepsons and garters. Nematode resistant.

Bourgeois hybrid

The hybrid is tall, mid-season, shade-tolerant. Resistant to diseases. Not afraid of temperature changes. Produces a lot of medium-sized red tomatoes in any weather. Tomatoes can be stored for 2 or more months.

Types and their differences

Determinate, semi-determinant and super-determinant varieties of tomatoes: what are they and what are their features?

1. Determinant . Flower clusters, after 5-6 leaves appear, are formed every three leaves; such varieties are usually early or mid-early ripening.
2. Semi-determinant . After the formation of 10-12 flower clusters, which are laid every two true leaves, the plant stops growing, the very first brush will be laid after 8 leaves. They are well suited for growing in greenhouses, have a fairly tall growth, and have an average ripening period.
3. Superderminant . Flower clusters are laid after 1-2 leaves, and after 5 of them are formed, a shoot begins to appear, which will stop the growth of the entire plant; these varieties are early ripening.

For open ground

Determinate varieties of tomatoes for open ground are resistant to temperature changes and diseases.

Low-growing tomatoes are most often planted in open beds so as not to provide support. Early varieties are preferred because they have time to ripen before the onset of bad weather.

Sanka

Among open ground varieties, Sanka is distinguished by its very early ripeness. It grows to a height of only 30-60 cm. The fruits are round, red, and do not crack. Fruits well even in cold cloudy summers.

Alpha

You can do without seedlings by planting Alpha seeds directly into the ground. In the south, the harvest is pleasing already at the beginning of summer, in the north - in the second ten days of July. The period from sowing seeds to ripening tomatoes is 85 days. Can be transported over long distances.

Explosion hybrid

Super determinate species, not suitable for greenhouses. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground, bypassing seedlings. Not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and even frost.

Growing seedlings and planting them

To obtain seedlings, seeds should be planted between March and April. It is recommended to pre-treat them from harmful organisms.

• In a 500 ml container, mix water and 15-20 g of ash. The liquid should touch the edges of the jar. After 24 hours, the water is filtered and the seeds are dipped into it for four hours.
• Dissolve several crystals of potassium permanganate in 100 ml of water to obtain a dark solution. Place the seeds in the liquid for 10-15 minutes.
• Soak the seeds in 50-100 ml of freshly squeezed Kalanchoe or agave juice for two to three hours.

After soaking, the seeds are slightly dried so that they can be easily separated from each other. After this, they can simply be planted in the ground or use a more effective method.

• A cloth moistened with water is placed on the saucer. Seeds are placed on it. Thin, damp gauze is also placed on top of them.
• Then the plate should be wrapped in a plastic bag or oilcloth.
• Place the container in a warm place until sprouts of a few millimeters appear.
• After their formation, the seedlings are planted in the ground.

Soaked seeds germinate faster and produce a harvest

Each sprout must be planted at a distance of 0.4 m from each other; it is recommended to maintain an interval of half a meter between rows. To get a good shoot, it is necessary to plant at a daytime temperature of at least +18 degrees and at night - at least +16 degrees.

Then, with proper care, you will be able to get a quick and tasty harvest.

Attention! To stimulate seed growth, there are also special preparations that can be purchased at gardening stores.

An example of planting tomatoes in open ground and tying them up

Prices for potassium permanganate

potassium permanganate

For greenhouses

To make better use of greenhouse space, determinate and indeterminate varieties of tomatoes can be grown in them.

If you grow indeterminate hybrids in a greenhouse, you need to shorten the tops of the bushes to stop them from growing. It is enough for them to grow up to 2 meters. If the greenhouse allows, then let them grow to the roof.

Due to their tall growth, they produce a large harvest of delicious tomatoes.

Determinate hybrids are less productive, but their fruits ripen much earlier. The choice of varieties for greenhouses is also very large. It's time to get to know the most popular of them.

Alsou

Alsou is one of the best types for greenhouses. The height of the bush is only 80 cm. It requires the formation of a bush into two or three branches. This is not a hybrid, so you can save the seeds for next season.

Early ripening, it will take 90 days from the moment the seeds are sown until the first tomatoes are harvested. Requires a garter. The fruits are sweet, without sourness, and can weigh 500 grams. From 1 sq. per meter of area, 8-9 kg of tomatoes are harvested.

Spring of the North hybrid

The determinate variety can be grown where summers are short and cool. Early ripening. Pink juicy fleshy fruits reach a weight of up to 350 grams.

Bush 60 cm high. Productivity up to 8 kg per 1 sq. m.

Pride of Siberia

The determinate bush “Pride of Siberia” grows up to 1.5 meters. Some fruits weigh 950 g, and the rest - 850 g. Up to 5 kg of red tomatoes can ripen on one bush.

Tomatoes ripen early. It takes 95 days from seedlings to ripened fruits. Planted on 1 sq. meter 4-5 bushes, you can collect up to 25 kg of ripe tomatoes.

Big Mama

Big Mama produces the first fruits 85–95 days after germination. The height of the plant is only 60 cm, the bush is strong and stable. Weight of tomatoes is 200–400 grams. Each fruit has soft, sweet flesh with sourness. Does not crack and is stored for a long time.

Productivity is high - up to 7–10 kg per 1 sq. meters. Not susceptible to fungal diseases.

F1 doll

A determinate hybrid, with a height of only 70 cm, produces a large yield of tomatoes, weighing up to 400 grams. Needs a garter. Productivity - up to 9 kg per 1 sq. meters.

The fruits are pink and round. The pulp is sweet, juicy, fleshy. Can be transported over long distances.

Golden heart

The Golden Heart variety was bred by Russian breeders (Yu.I. Panchev), and in 2001 it was included in the state register of the Russian Federation.
Designed for open ground cultivation in summer cottages and small farms. It can be grown throughout Russia, except for the northernmost ones. Description of the variety:

Determinate tomato varieties such as the Golden Heart are considered early ripening, and the variety ripens in 93 - 95 days. By the way

, this is a variety, which means you can get your seeds from it.

The tomato bush is medium-sized, 60 cm - 80 cm. The leaves are small and green. A garter is needed and he needs to be stepsoned. Important

. To form a Golden Heart tomato bush you need 2 stems. Here, the first stem is a stepson under the first ovary. The second is the stepson above the 1st ovary.

The fruits grow up to 90 g - 150 g, and they are orange in color. Their shape is heart-shaped. The ribs are poorly expressed. There may be 4 or more seed chambers in fruits, but there are not many seeds in them.

Benefits of tomato:

1. Great taste. Here it is sweetish with a slight sourness (delicacy).
2. Rich chemical composition. The fleshy pulp contains a lot of beta-carotene, which is a natural antioxidant. Also, there is a balanced composition, which means tomatoes are suitable for dietary nutrition.
3. Transportability. This is facilitated by the thick skin.
4. Excellent yield. From 1 sq. m of plot, 10 kg - 12 kg are removed, and here 4 kg - 5 kg of tomatoes are obtained from one bush.
5. The tomatoes are ripening together.
6. Has good immunity.
7. Resistance to adverse weather conditions (temperature changes, frost, drought).
8. Universal purpose. Tomatoes are eaten fresh, canned whole, and also used for processing.
9. A heart of gold is not poorly stored. Tomatoes placed for “ripening” ripen without problems.

Disadvantages of tomato:

• The need for gartering, pinching, and fertilizing (proper care).

Planting and care

If you want to get a quick harvest, then you need to leave a distance of at least 35-40 cm between determinate bushes. They ripen early and almost simultaneously, so they need a large distance between the bushes.

Many gardeners plant seedlings not in holes, but in trenches. It is believed that this makes maintenance and watering easier. As a result, you will not have to water under each bush, but directly into the trench. It is also more convenient to apply fertilizers in a trench. Yes, and loosening is much more convenient.

The soil in the garden bed should be fertile and light. After planting, the plants should be watered with warm, settled water. After watering, as a rule, potassium fertilizers must be applied once every 14 days.

Determinate tomatoes for polycarbonate greenhouses

Alsou

• Belongs to early ripening;
• Resists tomato diseases well;
• It has large fruits that have excellent taste and store well;
• The variety requires a garter.

Spring of the North Hybrid

• Belongs to early ripening;
• The tomato fruit is pink in color and medium in size, with fleshy and juicy pulp.

Pride of Siberia

• Belongs to early ripening;
• The bush has a height of up to one and a half meters;
• Very large fruit size;
• Designed specifically for greenhouses, with the exception of the southern regions, where open ground is suitable for cultivation;
• Good immunity to tomato diseases;
• Excellent taste of selected fruits.

Big Mama

• Refers to early ripening promising productive varieties with a growing season of 85 days;
• Rarely affected by late blight and powdery mildew;
• The fruit is large, has good taste, does not crack, and has universal use.

Hybrid doll

• Has virtually no competitors when grown in a greenhouse;
• The tomato bush reaches a height of 65 to 75 cm and requires mandatory dressing;
• The fruit has sweet, fleshy pulp and a long shelf life.

Stepsoning

The question of how to properly plant tomatoes of these types is quite acute. Even experienced gardeners cannot give an exact answer. It seems that pinching determinants is simply cutting off unnecessary shoots.

But it turns out that you can remove the stepsons only when they grow by 3-4 cm. If you are late, then you should not try to remove a large process. When it is removed, the result will be a deep wound that will slow down the development of the plant.

An indeterminate plant, due to its high growth, also has many unnecessary stepsons. They stop growing when the tomatoes on the bushes ripen. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the stepsons before the fruits ripen, so that the extra shoots do not take away their nutrition.

Stepchildren should be removed once a week. The leaves also need to be cut off, leaving a few leaves above the fruits that have already set.

In a greenhouse, pinching should be done more often than in an open garden bed. It is recommended to remove stepsons and excess inflorescences every 4-5 days.

The main thing when growing determinate tomatoes

1. Removing stepchildren. Basically, the fruits form the first 3 inflorescences of determinate tomatoes. To speed up ripening, small shoots should be removed and shoots pinched;
2. When forming bushes, it is necessary to leave side shoots (1-2 pieces) located on the main stem, which are then tied below the first brush;
3. Leave up to 4 clusters on the main stem. Form a side shoot with 3 tassels and then pinch it off;
4. To continue the growing season, new shoots should be formed, and it is important to feed the tomatoes in a timely manner.

Benefits of indeterminate tomatoes

1. Tomatoes of this variety are very tall. The trunks are tied vertically. This allows the plant to increase the number of brushes. That is, from a small area of ​​these tomatoes you can collect a large number of fruits. A harvest of this variety can produce up to sixteen kilograms per square meter.
2. Tomatoes are less susceptible to diseases. Tall tomatoes must be tied to a trellis and the lower leaves and shoots must be removed. This allows access to uniform lighting and air circulation.
3. Fruiting of these tomatoes lasts longer, unlike determinate varieties. This allows you to enjoy the harvest from July until the first frost.
4. The variety is quite easy to care for. It will be enough for you to form it. You just need to leave one stem and remove the stepsons.
5. It is more convenient to work with the plant and harvest while standing, and not in the pose of a summer resident.

Caring for determinate tomatoes

Like any other vegetable crops, determinate tomato varieties also require regular care. To properly care for the plant, the following requirements must be met:

• regularly hill up the bushes;
• properly plant the plant;
• pinch the stems to make the branching process much faster;
• carry out regular hilling of bushes;
• feed the plant with various universal fertilizers;
• carry out regular and proper watering;
• carry out preventive and therapeutic measures to combat pests and various diseases.

If you follow these simple rules for caring for the plant, then as the tomato bushes ripen, you can harvest a large and high-quality harvest.

Stepsoning

Both determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties must be planted correctly and in a timely manner. Stepchildren sprout from the axils of tomato leaves and must be removed regularly. If the stepsons are not removed, then the tomatoes will have a long ripening period, and the growth of the bushes will slow down significantly.

Watering

It is necessary to water the bushes regularly and abundantly, but without excess moisture, so that puddles do not form on the surface of the soil. The second watering occurs as the soil dries completely. It is necessary to water the bushes at the root itself. It is not allowed to water over the bushes, since moisture should not fall on the leaves of the plant. If the watering process is carried out incorrectly, moisture will accumulate on the leaves, which can cause a dangerous late blight disease, which has a detrimental effect on the plant itself. Therefore, it is recommended to water the crop using the drip method.

Hilling

The process of growing determinate varieties includes hilling. This is a mandatory process, since hilling helps retain the necessary moisture in the soil and allows oxygen to penetrate to the root system of the plant.

Protection from diseases and pests

To prevent or treat plants against diseases and pests, universal preparations purchased in specialized stores are used. The drugs must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. A more detailed acquaintance with determinate varieties of tomatoes will help you avoid making mistakes when growing crops and get a large and high-quality harvest of tasty, healthy vegetables. These are the best varieties of tomatoes for open ground, which can also be grown in a greenhouse. Basic rules for storing crops allow you to preserve the fruits in their original state without loss of nutrients for as long as possible, which makes it possible to enjoy tomatoes until the onset of winter.

Indeterminate variety of tomato: what is it, the difference from a determinate variety

Choosing productive tomato varieties is a responsible and difficult task.

The assortment of gardening stores is amazingly diverse; each bag is decorated with a bright picture, but for a successful purchase you need to take into account the characteristics of the variety.

Often on packages of seeds words such as determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are written. What does this mean? What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes? Which ones are better?

• Description and differences
• Indeterminate varieties
• Determinate varieties

Description and differences

The direct meaning of the word determinant is limited, ultimate. The word indeterminant implies the absence of limits and restrictions. These terms are the "official" names for short and tall tomato varieties. In determinate tomatoes, the stem grows to a certain point and stops growing, in indeterminate tomatoes it stretches upward as much as possible.

These species can be distinguished after the first shoots appear. The cotyledon in indeterminate varieties reaches 4-5 cm, in determinate varieties - no more than 1-2 cm. But this method will be erroneous if the seedlings do not receive the required amount of light and all the shoots stretch upward.

Indeterminate varieties

Let's look at indeterminate tomatoes: what are they? Cultivation in open ground is possible in the southern regions. Tomatoes are grown in gardens, tied on long poles. In cooler areas, indeterminate tomatoes are a greenhouse only plant. With quality care, long-term and even year-round fruiting is possible.

The best varieties

These varieties can be considered the most productive:

Octopus. The fruits are dark red, there is no green spot near the stem. The variety is suitable for growing in a greenhouse. If good conditions are provided, several harvests can be harvested from 1 bush per year.

• Major. This is a pink tomato, the specialty of which is the sweetness of the tomatoes. Tomatoes are shelf-stable and tolerate transportation well. The variety is popular for commercial cultivation.
• Happiness. The fruits are red and large. The bush grows very quickly, suitable for high greenhouses.
• Hybrid of Japanese selection Pink Paradise F1. Ripens in 75-80 days, the average weight of a tomato is 130 g. The bush reaches 2 m in length; in low greenhouses the top must be pinched.
• Kronos F1. This is an early hybrid (ripening in greenhouses after 60 days). The tomatoes are round, 4-6 pieces are tied on each bunch. High yields in greenhouses.

It can also be considered that these are the best indeterminate varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses.

Positive traits

Among the main advantages of the species is the ability to get a good harvest in a small area and long fruiting. Picking tomatoes is convenient because you don’t have to bend over. Indeterminate varieties are resistant to diseases and viruses due to the constant removal of stepsons and the uniform supply of light and air to all parts of the bush.

Minuses

Among the disadvantages of indeterminants:

1. the need for supports for bushes;
2. mandatory careful removal of stepsons and formation of bush growth into 1 stem;
3. fruits ripen comparatively longer than those of determinants;
4. outdoor cultivation is permissible only in southern regions with long summers. For other areas, cultivation is possible in a greenhouse.

Determinate varieties

The growth of such tomatoes is limited, since the inflorescence grows at the top of the stem. Stepchildren are carried out at will, but the abundance of stepsons and inflorescences will overload the bush during fruiting.

Determinant

Determinate tomato varieties are those that stop growing after the formation of fruit clusters. Such tomatoes stop growing upward after tying 3-5 bunches - this is due to the fact that buds are tied at the top. Most often, growth stops at no higher than 110 cm with the presence of 4–5 inflorescences. The first inflorescences are laid above the 5-6 leaves of the bush, and the subsequent ones - after 2-4 leaves.

Did you know? Translated from Italian, “pomo d'oro” means “golden apple.” Surprisingly, these tasty and valuable fruits were considered inedible for a very long time and were even considered poisonous.

Experts note the convenience of growing such varieties both in open ground and in small greenhouses.

Determinate varieties are divided into low-growing and medium-growing. Low shrubs, or, as they are also called, standard shrubs, are among the first to bear fruit; the harvest ripens 80–90 days after planting. Medium-sized tomatoes ripen a little later, after about 100–110 days, but they bear more fruit, 5–8 bunches each.

Which ones are better?

Few people know about the properties of determinate tomato varieties. "What is it?" – people often ask themselves. Let's find out which variety is better to choose. It all depends on the purpose for which you cultivate tomatoes and how much work you are willing to put into them.

The basic advantage of indeterminate varieties is that their fruiting is extended. They give away the harvest in parts throughout the season. With good care, you can remove a bucket of fruits and even more from each bush. But these tomatoes require strict shaping into one stem, constant gartering and proper elimination of excess leaves and shoots.

Medium-sized determinate varieties begin to bear fruit earlier and yield more consistently. They are tied only once, and then formed into two stems (other stepsons are also removed). They do not create a “jungle” in the greenhouse, they are more compact, and their flower clusters are more likely to form.

Determinate varieties of tomatoes can also produce a harvest of up to a bucket per bush, but only with excellent care. Standard hybrids and varieties will delight you with the first tomatoes in June. They do not require pinching or staking; they grow great in pots: you won’t spend a lot of time and effort on them.

But there is still a minus: these plants will give one tiny harvest, and that will be the end of it. Therefore, before purchasing any variety, think about why and how many tomatoes you need: for canning, for eating in the summer months, or just to pamper yourself.