Content
A wide variety of varieties and hybrids of tomatoes creates certain difficulties for the gardener in choosing the right seed material. On the colorful packaging, you can find tons of advertising information about how tasty, large, sweet tomatoes are and much more. However, in addition to the definitions that are clear for all, there are terms that are difficult for many vegetable growers. Take, for example, the definition of determinant and indeterminate tomato varieties found on every package of seeds. What it is, and how these cultures differ, we will try to find out.
What are indeterminate tomatoes
Such a concept as indeterminate tomato varieties speaks first of all that the culture is tall. Translated, this word means "without limitation." It is clear that the bush cannot grow indefinitely. Usually the stem of the plant grows from 1.5 to 2 m in height. An exception can be tomato trees, reaching a height of 6 m. A striking example is the "Sprut" variety. The culture has a strong branching and developed root system. Such tomatoes are capable of bringing generous harvests in the greenhouse and in the garden, but they are rarely grown at home due to their large dimensions. Most often, preference is given to indeterminate crops, up to 2 m high.
Very profitable indeterminate tomatoes grow in a greenhouse. Under these conditions, the growing season of the culture lasts at least a year, and sometimes more. Tomatoes "Bull Heart" and "De Barao" are considered one of the most popular greenhouse varieties. Having decided to acquire indeterminate tomatoes, one must be ready for the construction of trellises. Long stems must be tied up. The second concern will be the removal of shoots, that is, pinching. If you ignore the pinching, many unnecessary branches will grow from the main stem. They will create only splendor to the bush, and the ovary will be small.
Depending on the variety, indeterminate tomatoes are capable of producing up to 45 clusters with more tomatoes in each. Most often, tall bushes are formed with one stem, but two are allowed. The second method of forming is more acceptable for greenhouse cultivation on well-fertilized soil.
Growing indeterminate tomatoes in a greenhouse is justified by the economic benefits. When using the minimum area, you can get a large harvest. Plants are planted at the rate of at least 30 cm2 beds for 1 bush.
What are determinant tomatoes
Feature determinant tomatoes - this is the short stature of the bushes. Usually the plant does not grow higher than 70 cm. The bush forms up to 5 brushes, and the first is tied after the growth of a full 6 leaves. All subsequent inflorescences are laid through 2 leaves. After the ovary of the last 5 brush, the plant stops growing. Determinant tomatoes are most in demand by gardeners and can be grown in almost any conditions.
Greenhouse cultivation of determinate tomatoes is typical in cold regions. Sometimes planted undersized crops in greenhouses in the south, but a very small amount, and then only for the sake of their own interest. Most determinant varieties do without pinching, and there are tomatoes that need to remove excess shoots. As for the garter, the conventionally undersized bushes do not require this procedure. But if the plant has grown to 70 cm in height, it will surely fall to the ground under the weight of the fruits. For the sake of neat cultivation and to avoid rotting tomatoes, it is better to tie the bush to a wooden peg.
Varieties of determinant varieties
So, we figured out the determinant varieties, now it's time to get acquainted with their varieties. The fact is that low-growing tomatoes are divided into several subspecies:
- Semi-determinant tomatoes in height, plants are often confused with indeterminate crops, since the bushes can grow up to 1.5 m in height. However, culture has retained determinant and indeterminate features and is the middle link. On a semi-determinate plant, the first inflorescence is formed after 7 leaves have grown. All subsequent ones appear after 2 or 3 sheets. The bush is capable of forming up to 11 brushes.
- Superdeterminate tomatoes have been developed for very early yields. The fruits ripen together in about 50-60 days, after which a new ovary is not formed. Inflorescences appear on the plant every 2 leaves. The culture forms 4 brushes, after which its growth stops.
- The next subgroup is represented by super-super-determinant tomatoes. This includes super early ripening tomatoes and super dwarf plants. The first inflorescence is formed after the growth of a full 5 leaf. All subsequent inflorescences appear through the leaf. Nearby, under one sheet, two brushes are formed at once. The growth of the stem stops after the laying of four inflorescences.
- Standard tomatoes are determined by a strong structure of the main stem with a developed bush. A powerful low-growing plant is able to withstand the entire crop without being tied to stakes.
All these subspecies belong to determinant tomatoes, and it is rather difficult for an inexperienced person to distinguish them.
Finding the Difference Between Determinant and Indeterminate Tomatoes
So, we figured out the basic definitions, now it remains to find out in more detail what is the difference between determinant tomatoes and indeterminate analogs. For visual reference, in the photo on the left you can see a determinant culture, and on the right you can see an indeterminate tomato. Which one to choose for your site depends on the purpose of the future harvest.
The main feature of indeterminate crops is the long fruiting period. Tomatoes do not mature well and can be harvested throughout the season. One plant is capable of producing from 10 kg of fruit per season and more. However, you will have to work hard with tall plants. Grasshopping and cutting of the lower leaves are required throughout the growing season.
Determinant tomatoes with an average bush height yield earlier. The fruits ripen together. The plant is usually formed with two stems and tied up only once. Instead of a trellis, it is enough to drive a wooden peg into the ground. When grown in greenhouse, the plant does not create abundant thickets and is capable of giving up to 10 kg of fruit. First harvest from standard tomatoes available in June. These plants can even be grown in flower pots. But there is no need to count on big harvests. The standard culture bears fruit only once.
Let's find out what is the main difference between these two types of tomatoes, and by what signs you can distinguish plants from the first days of life:
- Cultures begin to differ in structure already 4 days after the emergence of sprouts. Differences are determined by the cotyledonous knee. In a determinate tomato sprout, the knee has a length of 1 to 3 cm.The knee length of an indeterminate tomato is from 3 to 5 cm. However, in low light, the sprout can stretch out and it will be difficult to determine its belonging to the group.
- On the grown seedlings, you can determine the belonging by the location of the inflorescence. In a determinant culture, the inflorescence appears under 6 or 7 leaves, and in an indeterminate tomato, the first inflorescence is laid under 9–12 leaves.
- After the appearance of several brushes, it is difficult to determine the belonging of an adult plant to a particular group. This is due to different growing conditions. The surest way to determine is to count the number of leaves between the clusters: an indeterminate variety - 3 leaves, a determinant variety - less than 3 leaves.
You can still distinguish an indeterminate adult plant by the shoot that does not end immediately after the brush. Such a structure with a limited shoot after the brush is characteristic of determinate tomatoes. However, if the stepson was pinched after the brush in a tall tomato, then you can be mistaken here. For reliability, it is still better to count the leaves.
The video shows determinant and indeterminate tomatoes:
Conclusion
That is, in principle, all the differences between determinant and indeterminate tomatoes. Let the vegetable grower decide which of them to choose for growing on his site, taking into account the climatic conditions of his region, the choice of the planting site, the purpose of the harvest and other factors.
