If you have never heard of the terms determinate or indeterminate tomato types, you are not alone. Many gardeners grow plenty of tomatoes successfully without pruning or knowing the difference between the two types. These terms overwhelmingly refer to the plant’s growth habit.
These classifications basically mean whether the plant is bush or vining and its impact on harvest time, and the need for structural support and pruning. Determinate plants are more compact, and indeterminate varieties tend to grow much longer than those of their counterparts.
Let’s explore some of the differences between determinate tomatoes vs. indeterminate tomatoes so that you can make an informed purchase, provide the proper care for and get the most yields from your treasured tomato plants.