Thursday 4 February 2016

3 Ultimate Tips for Growing an Indeterminate Tomato Variety

Did you know that the heaviest tomato ever recorded by the Guinness World Records weighed 3.51 kg and was used for making sandwiches for 21 people? This tomato giant belonged to the indeterminate tomato variety and to the cultivar known as ‘Delicious’. It was grown by Gordon Graham in 1986, Oklahoma, United States.

While you read these funny tomato facts, you probably wonder how he did it. His secrets were rotating the soil and early seeding. I myself happen to know a few facts about how to grow an indeterminate tomato variety. Here are 3 ultimate tips to help you do it yourself. 


Basic Differences between Indeterminate and Determinate Tomatoes

Starting from Seeds

What you need to know about indeterminate or “vine” tomatoes is that they grow continuously and produce fruit all season long. Reliable seed supplier is where it all begins. First you get quality indeterminate tomato seeds and then you move to the next step.


Plant a Small Number of Vines

The second step is to plant a small number of vines (I suggest up to three) and support them with sticks or canes. Indeterminate tomato vines usually grow huge and tall. Unlike determinate tomato varieties that are bushy and wide, indeterminate are good to grow in greenhouses or hydroponic solutions because they go for height rather than width. My favorite indeterminate tomatoes are Oxheart, Pedro H, Premio H, Radana and Raissa H.   


Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes is a Must

Indeterminate tomato varieties such as Red Pear and Cherolla H concentrate on growing taller instead of producing fruit. No worries, the answer to this problem lies is pruning. The growing method of trellising is therefore the most suitable one for the indeterminate tomato varieties. A word of advice - prune your tomatoes earlier to get better and larger yield. 

Find out more about tomatoes on my blog page and website.  

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