Tomatoes come in two basic types: determinate tomato plants, and indeterminate tomato plants. What’s the difference between the two?

Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomato plants are genetically engineered plants that will grow to have a pre-determined height,  predetermined number of stems, and a predetermined number of leaves. They only bear fruit for a short time during the growing season. Once the tomatoes are harvested, the plant will not bear any more fruit, and it will eventually die down.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomato plants grow naturally. Each plant is slightly different from the others, on the basis of number of stems, leaves, and number of tomatoes that they bear. They also give fruit for as long as the growing season lasts.

Which is Better?

It really depends on your preferences and needs. Determinate tomato plants are usually also genetically engineered to resist diseases and pests. Personally, I grow indeterminate tomato plants because in the south we have two long growing seasons. I feel that if I’m going to put in the time to grow and care for a tomato plant, I want to enjoy the tomatoes for as long as I can.

Originally posted 2009-07-27 13:40:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter