Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes
What’s the Difference, and Which Should You Grow?
Tomatoes are a backyard garden favorite—and for good reason. They’re easy to grow, super productive, and taste amazing right off the vine. But before you get those seedlings in the ground, it’s important to know there are two main types of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Each one grows a little differently and is better suited for different kinds of gardens.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which type (or both!) is right for your space and your tomato dreams.
Determinate Tomatoes: The Compact Producers
Determinate tomatoes—also known as "bush tomatoes"—grow to a set height (usually around 3–4 feet), produce all of their fruit in a short window, and then they’re done for the season. This makes them perfect if you’re working with limited space or want to harvest a lot of tomatoes at once (hello, salsa and pasta sauce!).
Benefits:
Great for small gardens, raised beds, and containers
Minimal pruning needed
Ideal for preserving, canning, or making sauce
Don’t need heavy-duty support
Common Varieties:
Roma
Bush Early Girl
Patio Princess
Celebrity
Amish Paste
Rutgers
Pro Tips:
Use a simple tomato cage or bamboo stakes to help them stay upright in the wind
Prune only when needed—just remove dead or low leaves to help with air flow
Get ready to harvest a bunch of tomatoes all at once!
Indeterminate Tomatoes: The Vining Giants
If you’ve got space and want fresh tomatoes all summer long, indeterminate tomatoes are your go-to. These plants just keep growing and producing until the first frost. Because of their vining nature, they need support and a bit more hands-on care—but the steady supply of fruit is well worth it!
Benefits:
Long harvest window
Great for snacking, salads, sandwiches, and more
Typically have excellent flavor
Fun to train up trellises or cages
Common Varieties:
Brandywine
Beefsteak
Cherokee Purple
Sungold
Early Girl
Supersweet 100
Sweetie
Pro Tips:
Stake or cage them right after planting to avoid damage later
Prune weekly—especially those little “suckers” between the main stem and branches—to improve airflow and fruit quality
Harvest continuously as tomatoes ripen throughout the season
Which One Should You Grow?
Honestly? Both! Here’s why:
Short on space or want a big harvest all at once? Go for determinate.
Have room to spare and love fresh tomatoes all season long? Indeterminate is the way to go.
Want the best of both worlds? Mix it up! Grow a few of each type to keep things interesting.
No matter which kind you plant, all tomatoes love full sun, rich soil, and plenty of nutrients. Be sure to feed them when the fruit first appears—and again later in the season to keep production going strong.
Need help prepping your soil? At Worm Farm Portland, we’ve got compost, worm castings, and soil boosters that tomatoes love. Swing by and we’ll help you grow the juiciest, healthiest tomatoes in town.