Published June 24, 2025.

Here’s the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes!

Determinate tomatoes are more compact and grow similar to a bush that will max out at around 4 to 5 feet tall. The tomato plant will not require as much maintenance or pruning and produce less fruit, typically all within the same few weeks. Determinate tomatoes are great for containers and pots and don’t typically need support. Two of my favorite heirloom indeterminate tomato varieties that I carry are New Yorker and Roma.

Indeterminate tomatoes will continually grow in a vine pattern and often can reach heights of 8 to 10 feet. These tomatoes require more maintenance and produce more fruit. Indeterminate tomatoes will benefit from the support of a stake, trellis, or fence structure and can benefit from pruning. Indeterminate tomatoes can produce fruit throughout the season for continual harvest. Some of my favorite indeterminate heirloom tomato varieties that I carry are beefsteak, big rainbow, black brandywine, Cherokee purple, San Marzano, small cherry red, and yellow pear tomato!