Tomatoes are a great addition to an edible garden. They’re low-maintenance, produce abundant fruits, and are delicious for snacking or using in recipes. But before planting and harvesting, you’ll need to decide what kind of tomatoes you want to grow—determinate or indeterminate. These tomato types have very different growth habits, with one producing fruit continuously throughout the season, while the other yields fruit in a short period of time and is best for small gardens. To learn the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for growing each.

Indeterminate Tomatoes 

Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost kills the plant, says Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. These plants have a vining growth habit and need to be staked or caged for support. The vines can grow up to 12 feet long.

Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes

Prune indeterminate tomatoes by removing the suckers, the small shoots between the main stem and side branches. Removing the suckers encourages better air circulation and focuses the plant’s energy on producing fruit, says Singh. Prune indeterminate tomatoes weekly to reduce disease and improve fruit size. 

Staking Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes need strong stakes, cages, or trellises for support due to their continuous growth and vining habit. “Regular tying and training of vines is necessary to keep them off the ground and prevent disease,” says Singh. Place the supports around the tomatoes when you plant them, as adding them once the plants start to grow can cause damage.

Harvesting Indeterminate Tomatoes

Harvest indeterminate tomatoes regularly throughout the season as they ripen, says Singh. To harvest tomatoes, cut about an inch above where the tomato is connected to the stem, then carefully twist the remaining stem from the tomato. 

Types of Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes are loved for their flavor and continuous production. Popular types of indeterminate tomatoes to grow include: 

• Brandywine
• Cherokee Purple
• Sungold
• Beefsteak
• Early Girl
• Moneymaker
• Supersweet 100
• Sweetie

Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes are bushier and more compact than indeterminate tomatoes, growing to be about 3 to 4 feet tall. These plants produce all of their fruit within a short period of time, says Langelo.

Pruning Determinate Tomatoes

Unlike indeterminate tomatoes, determinate varieties require minimal pruning since they grow to a set size. Removing excessive suckers can sometimes reduce overall yield, so pruning should be limited to removing diseased or damaged leaves, says Singh. Also remove low-growing foliage. “Removing the low foliage can help with reducing fungal and bacterial issues,” says Langelo. 

Staking Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes don’t need a lot of support because they are bush tomatoes with compact frames. That said, some support, like tomato cages or bamboo stakes, helps protect the plants from windy conditions. “The bamboo stake can be around 5 feet long and placed in the center of the tomato plant, along one of the main stems. Pushing the bamboo stake about 8 to 10 inches into the ground should stabilize it,” says Langelo. “You can use up to two to three stakes if your determinate tomato has more than one main stem.” 

Harvesting Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes ripen in a very short time, usually within a few weeks. “Harvest them as they turn red and reach full size,” says Sing. To harvest, gently twist the fruits off the stem or cut just above where the tomato attaches to the stem, says Langelo. 

Types of Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes are great for small-space gardening and are often used for sauces, pastes, and canning. Popular types of determinate tomatoes to grow include: 

• Roma 
• Celebrity 
• Patio Princess
• Mountain Fresh
• Rutgers 
• Bush Early Girl 
• Amish Paste 
• Bush Champion

The Best Type to Grow 

The type of tomatoes you grow depends on personal preference and how much gardening space you have available. “If you have limited space or want a large, single harvest, determinate tomatoes are a good choice,” says Singh. “If you prefer an extended harvest for fresh eating, indeterminate tomatoes are ideal. Many gardeners grow both for variety and convenience.”