Characteristics of 8 types of determinate varieties of tomatoes: what is it, and how can a vegetable grower get the desired harvest?

What are semi-determinate tomatoes?

Tomatoes are deservedly a popular vegetable in our gardens. Recently, semi-determinate tomatoes have attracted more attention from gardeners. Here, the basis for the characteristics is such a criterion as the height of the bush. There are also determinate (short-growing) and indeterminate (tall) tomatoes.

Tomatoes of the semi-determinate type occupy a middle position, taking the best qualities from determinate and indeterminate varieties. For example, the harvest can be obtained earlier than from indeterminate ones, by 10 - 12 days. And this is perhaps the key factor. Plants are resistant to temperature changes and diseases. Tomatoes love warmth, and most regions of our homeland cannot boast of a long sunny summer. That's why tomatoes are grown in greenhouses. And you have to take into account the space.

Features of a semi-determinate variety and differences

One of the main distinguishing characteristics of such tomatoes is that they have medium growth. If determinate tomatoes do not stretch more than 1 m, and indeterminant tomatoes, on the contrary, more than 2 m, then semi-determinant tomatoes (half children), as a rule, stop growing at the 10th inflorescence, but some even produce 12.

The first bunch should be planted above the eighth leaf. Most often, a tomato produces additional branches. Not all of them require mandatory removal, since many will form fruits. On additional branches, the first inflorescence will be noted after 4 leaves. All subsequent brushes are formed after 2-3 leaves.

One of the important features of the semi-determinate variety is that it has very short internodes. For example, in tall tomatoes the distance between the trusses is about 25 cm, and in semi-detached tomatoes it is reduced to 15.

Another important positive quality is that most varieties of semi-determinate tomatoes produce a harvest earlier than indeterminate ones. Most often, the difference in obtaining ripe fruits in these species is 15 days. However, there are also very tall varieties of tomatoes that produce an early harvest.

Unlike indeterminate tomatoes, semi-determinate tomatoes are very convenient to plant in a greenhouse. They fit even in small shelters, which is very important for many gardeners. In some regions, summer does not allow for normal growing of tomatoes in open beds, so there is no other choice but to use film covers. And here the best option would be semi-determinate varieties, which do not grow to very large sizes, but give a decent harvest even in a small area.

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Temperature

Control the temperature in the greenhouse. Still, this is the main criterion for obtaining a good harvest result. When planting seedlings, the soil temperature should be at least +15 degrees. For tomatoes, the optimal temperature is +22+25 degrees during the day, at night not lower than +15 degrees. Too high and too low temperatures have a bad effect on the plant. It stops growing and does not set fruit. In semi-determinate tomatoes, this can cause topping and the plant stops growing upward.

Advantages and disadvantages

Growing tomatoes of this type also has its pros and cons, which must be taken into account when choosing. Advantages of determinate varieties:

• early and very friendly ripening of fruits, which allows you to quickly not only eat tomatoes, but also start making preparations for the winter;
• the bushes of such tomatoes are more squat and neat, especially for standard ones;
• little need for stepsoning;
• practically do not require garter, mainly only when a large number of fruits are formed;
• recommended for cultivation in any climatic conditions, including in the rather cold northern regions and Siberia;
• Suitable not only for planting in a greenhouse, but also in open ground.

Disadvantages of such varieties:

• fruit size can vary greatly;
• the overall yield is not very high; when growth is complete, the plant may stop forming new ovaries;
• need a large amount of fertilizing with mineral fertilizers;
• low plant resistance to various infections due to the large number of ovaries.

Watering

Tomatoes are plants that love moisture. But they can do without watering for a short time.

Seedlings, after planting in a greenhouse, should be watered frequently, but not flooded. The guideline is the drying of the top layer of soil. An adult plant, before the tomatoes ripen, can be watered 2 times a week, but very generously. It is required that the soil is saturated with water to a depth of 15–20 cm. And during the ripening period of tomatoes, frequent watering is required. However, keep in mind that excess moisture can lead to the development of fungal infections. Remember that tomatoes do not like water getting on their leaves and stems. Therefore, water exclusively at the root, do not use a watering can or sprinkler when watering. By watering at the root, another goal is achieved. The humidity in the greenhouse does not increase, which should be at the level of 50 - 60%.

Determinate variety of tomatoes: what is it?

The complex and incomprehensible term “determinant” means nothing more than limited in growth. And when we talk about the fact that a tomato is determinate, it means that the main stem of the plant, having reached a certain height, completes its growth with the formation of a flower cluster.

But don’t think that determinate tomatoes (deets) are just one low-growing variety. This large group has a variety of representatives, which served as the basis for a certain classification of children. So, the following four types of development of tomato formation are distinguished:

1. determinant;
2. superdeterminant;
3. semi-determinate;
4. standard.

Determinant

This variety of varieties is not only the most numerous, but also very common. Such tomatoes grow almost everywhere, in the south - in open ground, in areas of temperate and harsh climates - in hotbeds and greenhouses.

The height of tomato bushes usually does not exceed 70-80 cm; 5-6 flower clusters are formed on the plant. The first clusters are formed above the 8-9th leaf, then the inflorescences go through two leaves. The tip of the main shoot ends in an inflorescence; the stepsons must be removed in a timely manner.

In terms of yield, this group will be superior to superkids; fruit yield is very consistent.

Superdeterminant

The difference between tomatoes of this subgroup and other determinate varieties is their early fruiting and uniform yield.

No more than 3-4 flower clusters are formed on the bush; a cluster is formed after 6-7 leaves.

The usual ripening time for tomatoes in this group is 60-70 days. They are distinguished by very high resistance to various infections; due to their early maturation, they “escape” from such plant diseases as late blight.

Due to the developmental characteristics of the bush, the productivity is low, but due to super-determinate varieties of tomatoes you can get a very early harvest of tomatoes.

Semi-determinant

They are a transitional form from determinate to indeterminate tomatoes, up to 160-200 cm in height. Inflorescences begin to form after the 9th leaf; in total, up to 10 clusters are formed on the bush.

The inflorescences are formed evenly, which makes it possible to obtain a harvest in an extended period. At the same time, semi-determinate tomato varieties are superior to indets in terms of ripening time; fruits can be harvested 10-14 days earlier.

Half-grown tomatoes require bush formation, regular pinching, as well as support and garter.

Standard

This group includes varieties limited in growth, which are characterized by the following characteristics:

• strong stocky stem (the bush looks like a miniature tree);
• developed root system, with the roots located in the upper layers of the soil;
• short stature;
• a small number of stepchildren or their absence.

Such tomatoes tolerate picking, transplanting well, and are resistant to temperature changes, diseases and pests. Due to the compactness of the bushes, more plants can be planted on one square meter, thereby increasing productivity.

The taste of the fruits is high, and even if in terms of yield per bush such “crumbs” are inferior to their tall determinate counterparts, and even more so, indets, they are still popular.

Tomatoes are shelf-stable, suitable for transportation, and plant care is very simple.

Advantages and disadvantages of determinate tomatoes

Why do many gardeners interested in high yields prefer to grow determinate tomatoes? Let's find out the advantages:

1. In the climate of many Russian regions, it is possible to get a faster tomato harvest from determinate varieties.
2. These tomatoes have early ripening periods.
3. New varieties and hybrids have been developed that show high early yields and have excellent taste.
4. The yield of the harvest is friendly, fruiting usually does not extend over time.
5. Unpretentiousness.
6. Eats varieties and hybrids that do not need to be planted (easy care).

At the same time, certain disadvantages cannot be ignored:

1. Overall yield will be lower than indeterminate tomatoes (due to limited growth and number of flower clusters).
2. To obtain a high yield, a number of varieties of such tomatoes require enhanced feeding.
3. If a small plant has several clusters of fruit at the same time, the tomato’s immunity to various diseases is seriously reduced.

When growing tomatoes, it is necessary to study information about the variety and take note of the experience of other gardeners.

Stepsoning

Bush formation

It is best to form a plant into 2 stems. The strongest and most viable stepson is formed under the first cluster; it will bear good fruit. Form the second stem from it. Form 2 – 3 brushes on the side shoot, 3 – 4 brushes on the main stem.

Shape the harvest with additional means. Thin out the first two clusters, leaving 3 - 4 tomatoes. Form other brushes into 6–8 tomatoes, remove the gnarled ovary.

To prevent the topping process from threatening the yield, always leave reserve shoots on the plant. Remove if new stepsons appear.

Removing stepchildren

Stepchildren are side shoots. Stepping is their removal. This is done to speed up the ripening of tomatoes and increase their size. For gardeners, it is akin to some kind of ritual. This must be done, otherwise you will end up with a huge amount of foliage and a small amount of tomatoes. In addition, pinching improves the lighting of plants and contributes to an earlier harvest. Remove the stepchildren when they have reached a length of 5–6 cm at least once every 10 days. It is best to apply the stepsons in the morning; the stepsons are easier to break off, and the wound heals immediately. If pinching is carried out less frequently, then it is much more difficult to determine what needs to be torn off. And tearing off a large stepson can harm the stem.

Removing leaves

In addition to pinching, the leaves themselves are also removed. It happens that gardeners remove all the leaves, supposedly in order to speed up the ripening of tomatoes. The opinion is incorrect. The plant will begin to restore green mass, the fruits will become unimportant at all. Trim the leaves, but without fanaticism. Leaves that are in contact with the ground must be removed. This is done to prevent late blight infection. If the plants are touching their leaves, they can be partially trimmed. And then the tomatoes will receive both sunlight and carbon dioxide in abundance.

Top dressing

It is possible to obtain an early harvest from semi-determinate tomatoes; this requires timely feeding of the plants. A flowering plant needs mineral fertilizers, which focus on phosphorus content. The process of ripening tomatoes will require the addition of potassium. The appearance of the plant will tell you which microelements it lacks. Slow plant growth and pale leaves indicate that the plant lacks nitrogen. Excess nitrogen leads to the formation of rich greenery, the plant “fattens”, there may be no flowers and tomatoes. A violet tint of greenery indicates a lack of phosphorus, and its excess leads to yellowing of the foliage and its fall, the ovary also falls off. The plant may die if there is not enough potassium, and its excess leads to the appearance of dull spots on the leaves.

If it is not possible to apply organic fertilizers, and these include peat, manure, chicken droppings, then feel free to apply mineral fertilizers. Read the instructions and feed the plants. It is better to use complex mineral fertilizers that contain several elements necessary for plants.

Tomato varieties

"Magnus F1"

Medium early, fruits appear 95 -105 days after germination. The tomatoes are flat-round in shape, unripe are light green in color, and ripe ones are bright red, weighing 130 - 160 g. They tolerate transportation well. Good taste. Suitable for canning and fresh salads. The plant resists diseases and temperature changes well.

"Khlynovsky F1"

Tomatoes of this variety ripen 105–110 days after germination. The fruits are large, fleshy, weight reaches 220 g. Ripe tomatoes are red in color.

The plant is resistant to diseases and temperature changes. Suitable even for beginners.

"Baron F1"

An early ripening variety, the fruits ripen 108–115 days after emergence. Ripe tomatoes are red in color and flat-round in shape. 122 – 134 g fruit weight, good taste. Resistant to diseases, tolerates temperature fluctuations well.

Also suitable for those who are taking their first steps in growing tomatoes. It won't cause much trouble.

"Merchant F1"

High-yielding hybrid, fleshy, large tomatoes, fruit weight 130 – 160 g.

They are stored for a long time and do not become flabby at room temperature for up to three months. Small tomatoes can be stored for up to 6 months.

"Gunin F1"

Early ripening variety, fruit ripening 100–110 days from germination. Tomatoes of good taste, weighing up to 120 g.

The plant tolerates unfavorable natural conditions well, which makes it possible to produce fruits for a long time.

"Gravity F1"

Early ripening, high-yielding variety. Tomatoes are slightly flattened, bright red in color. They have a rich aroma and excellent taste. Large tomatoes, 200 – 220 g. The variety is resistant to diseases.

"Silhouette F1"

An early ripe hybrid, easy to grow, the fruits are dense, brightly colored, weight up to 160g, and tolerate transportation well.

"Ivet F1"

Very early hybrid, disease resistant. The tomatoes are round in shape, weighing 140–150 g, resistant to transportation, and can be stored well for up to 30 days.

Red Arrow F1

A reliable hybrid, low-leaved, shade-tolerant plant. You can plant plants densely to save space. The weight of tomatoes is 90 - 120 g. The plant tolerates temperature changes well and is resistant to diseases. Tomatoes are early ripening and tolerate transportation well.

Eagle beak

Tomatoes have an unusual beak shape, weighing up to 800g. The tomatoes are meaty, juicy, have a rich taste, and store well.

An overview of one of the varieties is presented in the following video:

Description

To understand what semi-determinate tomato varieties are, you need to know the distinctive features and characteristics.

It is quite easy to distinguish different types of tomatoes. The difference between semi-determinate, indeterminate and determinate varieties is the height of the plant. Semi-determinate bushes have an average height; they have adopted the best qualities from the other two types of tomatoes. That is why they are so popular among vegetable growers.

The first fruits of semi-determinate tomatoes can be harvested two months after planting in the ground. Such plants are resistant to diseases and cope with temperature changes without problems. However, they cannot cope with too low temperatures and sometimes they have to be grown in greenhouses.

In greenhouse conditions, most bushes grow up to two meters. During growth, about 10-15 inflorescences are formed on them, the first of which appears above the tenth leaf.