Determinate tomatoes, or “bush” tomatoes, are varieties that grow to a compact height (generally 3 – 4′). Determinates stop growing when fruit sets on the top bud. All the tomatoes from the plant ripen at approximately the same time (usually over period of 1- 2 weeks). They require a limited amount of staking for support and are perfectly suited for container planting.

Indeterminate tomatoes will grow and produce fruit until killed by frost. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet although 6 feet is normal. Indeterminates will bloom, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the season. They require substantial staking for support and benefit from being constrained to a central growing stem.

Plant is a second early variety with a deep oblate shape. Fruit is a dark red colour. Fruits are suitable for tomato sauces and salads.

Tomatoes are a relatively easy fruit to grow, and are a delicious summertime treat best enjoyed straight from the garden. Plant them in a sunny location once all danger of frost has passed. Remember to set up your Staking System right away, to avoid a headache later on, since proper support helps keep the plants healthy and producing. Tomatoes come in two types: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate are better known as “bush” or “patio” varieties, and have a set-size that they will grow to, making them ideal for shorter growing seasons or small spaces. Fruit on a determinate tomato plant sets and ripens all at once. Indeterminate varieties, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, will continue to grow and produce throughout the season; until the plant is eventually killed by frost or runs out of nutrients. Be sure to always supply tomatoes with added calcium to prevent Blossom End Rot. Consistently check water levels throughout the day, since tomato plants are very heavy drinkers and require a lot of water. The most common pest is the Tomato Hornworm, which can destroy your crops with its voracious appetite. Check plants regularly and pick any off by hand. Hornworms that have rice-looking eggs on them may be left alone; as this indicates the hornworm has become a host for parasitic wasp eggs, and it will eventually die.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Flea Beetles, Tomato Hornworms, Whiteflies, Potato Beetle, Mosquitoes, Stink Bugs

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Blossom End Rot, Splitting, Cat-facing, Magnesium Deficiency, Mosaic Virus, Early/Late Blight, Bacterial Spot/Speck, Verticilum Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Canker, Black Mold, Gray Mold, Yellow Leaf Curl Disease