When planning your garden, you’ll find a wide variety of tomatoes to choose from, each offering unique colors, shapes, and flavors. Some tomatoes grow differently from others, too. For example, certain varieties stop growing once they set fruit, while others keep producing. Whether you prefer the classic ‘San Marzano,’ the versatile ‘Celebrity,’ the hearty ‘Mortgage Lifter,’ or the juicy ‘Big Boy,’ you’ll find a tomato that satisfies your taste.
Explore the different growth habits of tomatoes below, and create a thriving garden that yields a bountiful harvest.
Beefsteak Determinate Tomato
Brandywine Indeterminate Tomato
What sets determinate tomatoes apart from indeterminate varieties?
Determinate varieties stop growing once fruit is set, so staking or caging is usually not necessary. Harvest time is short as all the fruit develops and ripens at about the same time. with this in mind, these varieties are often used for making sauce, canning, and juicing. Popular determinate varieties include ‘Roma’, ‘Celebrity’, and ‘San Marzano’.
Indeterminate varieties keep producing new shoots and blossoms after fruit sets, continually producing until frost kills them. All stages of development may be on the plant at once. Fruit ripens fast, so harvest often. To clarify, the more you pick, the more you’ll get. ‘Beefsteak’, Brandywine’ and ‘Sweet Million’ are popular indeterminate favorites.
Black Krim Heirloom Variety
Assorted Heirloom Varieties
What is an Heirloom tomato?
An heirloom is a variety that has been cultivated for at least 50 years. Gardeners cherish heirlooms for their unique flavors, colors, and historical significance. They are typically open-pollinated, meaning birds and bees naturally pollinate them. Popular heirloom varieties include ‘Brandywine,’ ‘Beefsteak,’ and ‘Mortgage Lifter.’
What does open-pollinated or OP mean?
Open-pollinated refers to varieties naturally pollinated by birds and bees. These plants produce seeds that grow into plants with the same characteristics as the parent. Gardeners can save these seeds each year. Varieties like ‘Brandywine,’ ‘Black Krim,’ and ‘Beefsteak’ are some of the most popular open-pollinated options.
What are hybrid tomatoes?
Hybrids result from cross-pollination, typically aimed at creating plants resistant to specific diseases or pests. Since hybrid seeds often produce offspring with inconsistent traits, gardeners cannot save them for future planting. Popular hybrid varieties include ‘Better Boy’ and ‘Big Boy.’
What do the initials on tomato tags stand for?
The letters indicate disease tolerance. Specifically, look for initials like V, F, N, T, and A after the variety name. These letters, in turn, signify the plant’s resistance to common issues, such as Verticillium wilt (V), Fusarium wilt (F), Nematodes (N), Tobacco mosaic virus (T), and Alternaria (A), all under normal growing conditions.
Raised Bed Planters
Container Grown Vegetables
Can I grow tomatoes in a pot or container?
Yes, you can grow any tomato variety in a container. For example, mid- to large-sized varieties like ‘Beefsteak,’ ‘Celebrity,’ and ‘Whopper’ need a large tub or container, at least 20 inches in diameter. On the other hand, smaller varieties, such as ‘Husky,’ thrive in containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter. In addition, be sure to place only one plant per container.
By understanding the different types of tomatoes, you can choose the varieties best suited for your garden, ensuring a delicious harvest throughout the season.