Types of Tomatoes

There are five commonly used terms associated with each of the five types of tomatoes. (right) A couple of my Beefsteak Tomatoes from 2008's harvest.

Determinate: Bush-type tomato plants that grow to a certain size, stop and set all their fruit at once.

Indeterminate: Vining-type tomato plants that continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

Patio: Tomato plants that are specifically bred to be small enough to grow in a window box, hanging basket or small container.

Heirloom: Non-hybrid tomatoes that have been grown for generations. Known for their exceptional flavors and rich colors, heirloom tomatoes have stuck around because of the careful cultivation and the seed saving skills of generations of gardeners throughout the world.

Hybrid: Tomato plants that have been developed to be more disease resistant and uniform in production for large-scale food processing - in some cases, at the expense of true tomato flavor.

Brandywine Heirloom Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, Brandywine Heirloom Tomato from Al's Garden Center. This specific variety is a 1885 heirloom Amish with large rose-pink fruit. I planted my Brandywine directly into the garden with a trellis to climb in full sun. (right) My Brandywine on August 21, 2009. Fruit is starting to grow quite large, around 5 - 6 inches in size. This is one of the larger tomatoes that has yet to ripen.

Growing Tips: Brandywine Tomatoes prefer full sun, plant 24" - 36" apart in rows 36" - 48" apart. Water regularly throughout summer. In August, water every other day to promote fruit growth.

Harvesting: Brandywine Tomatoes mature in 90 -100 days, pick when fruit is rose-pink and firm.

Jubilee Heirloom Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, Jubilee Heirloom Tomato from Chef Jeff's. Jubilee's are a bright orange color with a mild flavor and meaty texture, they are also less acidic than regular tomatoes. These make great tomatoes for those who cannot tolerate the high acid content of regular tomatoes. (right) My first ripe fruit on my Jubilee on August 21, 2009.

Growing Tips: Jubilee Tomatoes prefer full sun and require staking or a trellis to climb. Water regularly through summer. Starting in August, water every other day to help fruit develop. They will grow to 4' - 5' tall.

Harvesting: Jubilee's take 80 days to mature, pick when bright orange and firm.