Tomatoes on their own personal plot, if the climate allows it, are grown by almost every gardener. But it is often difficult to choose a specific variety or hybrid without getting confused in the variety of varieties bred by breeders. Many of the tomatoes belong to the category of indeterminate, that is, not limited in growth. They have certain advantages, but they are not without drawbacks. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with these characteristic features in advance so that the choice is conscious.
Indeterminate tomato variety - what is it?
The main feature that distinguishes indeterminate tomatoes from determinant ones is stem growth during the entire season of active vegetation. When cultivated in a climate suitable for the plant, it can stretch up to 4 m in height, under less suitable conditions, its length reaches 2 m. It is also characterized by the presence of a powerful developed root system and the active formation of green mass. At the top of the stem is a growth point, not a flower brush, therefore, when it reaches the desired height, it is usually nipped, limiting further growth.
A long period of fruiting is also characteristic of them. If you plant such varieties in heated greenhouses, the plants bring in crops throughout the year and even more, forming 40-50 brushes during this time (and this is not the limit!).
Indeterminate tomatoes ripen 30-35 days later than determinant ones. Accordingly, such varieties are best suited for southern regions with a subtropical climate. There they can be planted both in open and in closed ground. In central Russia, it is advisable to cultivate these varieties in greenhouses, and in regions where the summer is very short and cool, do not plant them at all.
You can distinguish indeterminate tomatoes from determinant ones already at the seedling growing stage:
- when the seedlings of indeterminate type "straightens out", an elongated cotyledonous knee is visible (a place below the cotyledonous leaves, sometimes called the subcotyledonous knee) - up to 3-5 cm instead of 1-3 cm. Next, as the plant develops, the first flower brushes form at the level of 9-12 -th sheet, the interval between them is 3 sheets or more;
- in determinant varieties, fruits begin to form lower, the distance between them is less. Sometimes several brushes at once are formed in one sinus of the leaf.
Contrary to popular belief, not all indeterminate tomatoes are tall, and determinant tomatoes are stunted. In most cases this is true, but there are exceptions. There are determinant hybrids with a stem reaching a height of about 2 m, as well as low indeterminate varieties that can be classified as standard. Standard tomatoes stand out by the presence of a very powerful stem. Both determinant and indeterminate varieties can possess this feature. But if the first "trunk" can withstand the severity of the crop, the second still need support.
Video: determinant and indeterminate varieties of tomatoes - what is the difference?
Advantages and disadvantages of indeterminate varieties
Like any plant, indeterminate tomatoes have pros and cons.
Advantages
These varieties are characterized by a long fruiting period and, as a consequence, high productivity (yield rate for them is about 14-17 kg / m²). Tomatoes in the open ground continue to ripen until the first frost, in greenhouses - until the end of September or even until October. The experience of gardeners indicates that from 10 bushes of indeterminate varieties and hybrids 2-3 times more fruits can be removed than from 20 bushes of determinant tomatoes.
Under the condition of competent pruning, bushes take up very little space. However, unlike determinant varieties, they are not suitable for growing on the balcony or at home.
Plants not overloaded with fruit brushes have better immunity than determinant tomatoes, often suffering from fungal diseases, unless they have genetic protection. And they are also less sensitive to growing conditions - they do not pay much attention to temperature changes, drought or an abundance of precipitation, heat.
Disadvantages
Indeterminate tomatoes also have disadvantages. A competent gardener will be required from the gardener throughout the growing season, especially with regard to the formation of plants. Tall bushes must be tied along the entire length of the stem. Accordingly, a trellis or other kind of support will be needed. Plants need to provide uniform lighting and good aeration.
Harvest ripens much later than in determinant varieties, for a month or more. Therefore, deciding to plant such varieties or hybrids in the open ground, be sure to consider the climate in the region and choose the right variety. Among the early indeterminate varieties can be noted:
- Alcor F1 - ripens on the 106th day from germination;
- Andrei F1 - ripens on the 95th day from germination;
- Diana F1 - ripens on the 90-100th day from germination.
If the summer in terms of weather is unsuccessful, you can not wait for the harvest at all.
The nuances of caring for the crop
Indeterminate tomatoes require a certain method of placement in the greenhouse and constant care.
Location in a greenhouse or in a garden
High productivity in indeterminate tomatoes is not possible if you do not form a bush throughout the season. If you regularly pay attention to pruning, you can greatly save space in the greenhouse by planting one plant even 30 cm². However, it is recommended that the bushes be provided with a large area for food.
It is most convenient to place them in a checkerboard pattern, in two rows. The optimal distance between tomatoes is 45-50 cm, the row spacing is 65-75 cm. However, there are varieties with particularly powerful bushes - the so-called tomato trees, or standard tomatoes. In this case, the interval between plants is at least 80-90 cm, and between rows - 1-1.2 m.
The height of the greenhouse in which the bushes are planted should be at least 2 m. Otherwise, the plants will become crowded already at an early stage of development, which, in turn, will negatively affect productivity.
Upon reaching a height of 45-50 cm, the bushes begin to tie up. The support should be strong enough and securely fixed, because the total weight of the crop is quite significant. It is impossible to use a thin wire or twine for tying - the stems are cut or frayed.
Removing stepchildren
Throughout the growing season, indeterminate tomatoes regularly, every 10-12 days, shoots growing in the axils of leaves - stepsons are removed. If they have not yet reached a length of 5-7 cm, they can simply be broken out. Otherwise, they are cut with sharp scissors as close to the growth point as possible. This is a mandatory procedure, otherwise the greenhouse will quickly turn into something resembling impenetrable thickets in the jungle, and very few fruits will grow on the bushes "overloaded" with green mass - they simply will not have enough food.
Bush formation
Formation can be done in two ways:
- in one stalk;
- the steps.
The easiest way to form a bush is in one stalk. It is as follows:
- regularly remove all emerging stepsons and side shoots, leaving only the central “trunk” and fruit brushes;
- cut off all the leaves located below the first bunch of tomatoes. But you should not be zealous with this — at most three sheets are removed at a time;
- when grown in open ground at the end of July or in the first half of August (depending on the climate in the region), pinch the stalk so that the already formed tomatoes have time to ripen to frost.
Experienced gardeners also advise when removing the first inflorescences to remove the two lowermost brushes. Practice shows that tomatoes of most varieties ripen on them for a very long time. By timely getting rid of them, you can increase the number of fruit ovaries and accelerate the ripening process of tomatoes located above the stem.
A bit more complicated step formation. It is carried out in this way:
- During the active growing season, the main shoot is replaced several times by a side stepson. The first time the stepson is left in the bosom of the fourth or fifth leaf, choosing the most developed one.
- As soon as the fruits are tied up on the side shoot, pinch the main stem, leaving 2-3 leaves above the last brush.
- After this, the stepson begins to lead as the main escape.
- If he reaches the ceiling of the greenhouse, somewhere in the lower third of his stem, you can save another stepson by pinching a new “mother” shoot too.
Forming tomatoes into a single stem is much easier, but step pruning can significantly increase productivity and extend the fruiting period.
Video: bush formation of indeterminate tomatoes
Any mechanical damage is the "gate" for all kinds of infections. To minimize the risk of infection, it is advisable to carry out the procedure early in the morning and leave small “stumps” 2-3 mm high, which have time to dry out in a day. All used tools and “wounds” must be washed with a 1% potassium permanganate solution or other suitable disinfectant. If leaves and stepsons are broken off by hands, care must be taken not to damage the skin on the stem. Side shoots are best bent to the side, leaf plates - down.
Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes
Varieties and hybrids of indeterminate tomatoes exist quite a lot. Some of them have already been tested by time and several generations of gardeners. Constantly in the open access there are also new breeding. All of them have certain advantages, but are not without drawbacks. Accordingly, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the description in advance so that no surprises arise during cultivation.
For closed ground
In greenhouses, indeterminate tomatoes are most often cultivated in central Russia, as well as in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East. This allows you to provide the necessary temperature conditions. We must not forget that the room will have to be regularly ventilated, moist humid air is a very suitable microclimate for the development of many diseases.
Angel F1
One of the relatively new domestic hybrids. There are no restrictions on the growing region in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation. By ripening maturity, ripe, by appointment of fruits - salad. Harvest ripens in 95-105 days.
The fruits are almost round, regular in shape. The average weight is 150-170 g. The peel is uniformly red; there is not even a yellowish-orange stain typical of most varieties of the stalk. The pulp is dense, but juicy. Productivity is very good - up to 19.9 kg / m².
The hybrid is characterized by the presence of immunity to fusarium and verticillosis, but it is often affected by vertex rot.
Diana F1
Another Russian hybrid in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation - since 2010. Suitable for cultivation in any region where gardening is possible. Harvest ripens early, in 90-100 days. The bushes are quite powerful, but they can’t be called densely leafy.
Fruits are spherical or slightly flattened, with slightly protruding ribs at the stalk, of medium size, weigh about 128 g. The skin is bright pink, dense, but not rough. This leads to very good transportability. Taste is excellent.
Productivity cannot be called record high - it is 17.9 kg / m².
Icarus F1
Hybrid of medium ripening. Harvest can be removed 98-110 days after the first seedlings. The State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation is recognized as suitable for cultivation throughout the Russian Federation. It has "innate" immunity to fusarium and the tobacco mosaic virus. From other diseases typical of culture, it rarely suffers. And also the hybrid tolerates weather vagaries - drought, waterlogging, low temperatures. There are not too many stepsons on the bush.
Fruits noticeably flattened laterally, similar to plums, with dense glossy skin. Even in fully ripened tomatoes, a pale light green stain remains at the base of the stem. Fruit weight - 130-150 g. The pulp is very fleshy, few seeds.
The purpose is universal - tomatoes are suitable for fresh consumption, as well as for home canning, including whole fruit. The yield for the indeterminate variety is quite low - 10-12 kg / m², but the taste is excellent.
Belfast F1
A very popular worldwide hybrid from the Netherlands. He entered the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation in 2014. By ripening maturity: early ripening: the crop is harvested 90-100 days after emergence or 55-60 days after transplanting seedlings to a permanent place.
The plant is powerful, but leafy average. Its height is limited at the level of 1.5-2 m. The first fruits on the lower hands ripen quite quickly, which is not typical for indeterminate varieties. The bushes are immune to cladosporiosis, fusarium, verticillosis, the tobacco mosaic virus, but for the hybrid, all kinds of nematodes have a special love.
Tomatoes in the shape of an almost regular bowl. The ribs of the stalk are almost invisible. The pulp is not particularly dense, but thanks to the harsh skin, the hybrid is notable for good keeping quality, tolerates transportation well. Fruits rarely crack. The presence of many cameras is characteristic. The average mass of the fetus is 208 g, individual specimens reach 300 g.
Productivity is high - 26.2 kg / m². This indicator has little effect on the weather, including low temperature and lack of light.
F1 chart
One of the novelties of selection, a hybrid bred in the Netherlands. By ripening dates it refers to early ripening: the fruits are removed after 100-105 days. Productivity - up to 4.5 kg per plant.
Fruits of the correct spherical shape, the ribs do not always appear, in any case they can be distinguished only at the stalk. One tomato weighs an average of 180-230 g. The taste is excellent, with a slight refreshing acidity. Characteristic is the almost complete absence of non-commercial fruits, the reject rate is only 0.5%.
Bushes can be recognized by unusually long leaves of light green color. The variety cannot be called vigorous; internodes for indeterminate tomato are unusually short.From the creators, these plants received immunity to the tobacco mosaic virus, a fungus that causes brown spotting. Relatively rarely, they are affected by verticillosis, fusarium, root rot.
Video: what tomatoes look like Figure F1
Pink Paradise F1
The hybrid is from France; it was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation in 2007. By maturity dates refers to mid-season. Fruits in 110-120 days after germination or 70-75 days after transplanting. You can count on 3.9 kg of fruits from the bush. Characterized by the presence of immunity to verticillosis, fusarium, tobacco mosaic virus.
Tomatoes are flattened, slightly ribbed. The skin is glossy, bright pink. The pulp is very dense, with a high sugar content, the seeds in it are almost invisible. The average weight of the fruit is 125-140 g, individual specimens reach 200 g. The taste is excellent - a variety from the category of delicious. However, almost all pink tomatoes are distinguished by remarkable taste qualities.
The height of the bush is about 2 m, it is densely leafy, you must always pay attention to pruning. Sometimes it is formed into two stems - the first fruits in this case will have to wait 12-15 days longer, but the yield will increase. The hybrid tolerates a short-term decrease in temperature and its differences well. The fruits are characterized by very good transportability and keeping quality, they almost do not crack, although the skin is thin, even delicate. Suitable for making juice and mashed potatoes - they turn out very thick, unusual raspberry shade.
Video: Pink Paradise F1 Tomato Hybrid Description
Shannon F1
Another popular Dutch hybrid. Russian gardeners met him in 2003. The State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation does not give recommendations regarding the growing region, but practice shows that it shows its best in warm southern regions. Hybrid of medium ripening. Harvest ripens in 98-110 days.
The fruits are quite small, weigh an average of 107 g, individual specimens - 160-180 g, in their hands 6-8 pieces. The shape is regular, rounded. The ribs are almost invisible. Taste qualities of ripe tomatoes are excellent. Shelf life is also very good, even at room temperature the fruits lie for at least three weeks.
The variety belongs to the category of indeterminate, but the first fruit brush forms low, already above the seventh leaf. The hybrid tolerates heat and drought very well, is immune to verticillosis, fusarium, brown spotting, mosaic virus.
Cherokee
The variety comes from the United States, at home - one of the most common. Bred back in the 19th century. It is appreciated for its consistently high yield, excellent taste and the presence of a very good (although not absolute) immunity to diseases typical of a culture. According to the ripening dates, it belongs to the mid-early ones; it takes 110-115 days to ripen the crop. You can count on 4 kg from the bush.
The height of the bush is usually limited to 1.2-2 m, form it most often in 2-3 stems. On each plant, up to 8 fruit brushes ripen, in them an average of 10 tomatoes, in shape resembling a heart. Their color is very unusual: in addition to the usual dull red color, the presence of a subton — yellowish, purple, violet, and chocolate — is also characteristic. Sometimes it does not appear on the entire surface of the fetus, but as separate spots of irregular shape.
The fruits are multi-chamber, the average weight is about 250 g, but depending on the growing conditions it can vary from 150 g to 500 g. The pulp is very fleshy, juicy, sweetish, with an unusual "smoky" aroma. The peel almost does not crack.
For open ground
When growing in open ground indeterminate tomatoes will definitely need support - trellis or mesh. The stems will have to be tied to it along the entire length. In the open ground, these varieties can be planted only where the climate for gardening is more or less suitable, that is, in areas with a fairly long and warm summer.
Watermelon
Achievement of Russian breeders in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation - since 2004. A variety from the mid-early category: the crop ripens in 107-113 days. The height of the bush without pinching exceeds 2 m. A dense foliage is characteristic. Plants are relatively rarely affected by late blight.
The fruits are flattened, the skin is glossy, smooth. Tomatoes are almost one-dimensional. The shape is round, with a pronounced ribbing at the peduncle. Productivity is not bad - 4.2-5.6 kg per bush. The average weight of a tomato is 98-104 g, subject to competent agricultural technology, it reaches 550 g. The skin is very thin, the fruits are prone to cracking. The shelf life and portability of this variety are low.
The name of the variety is due to the type of fruit in the ripening process. In addition to the usual dark green spot at the stalk on the skin of salad color, longitudinal blurred stripes of the same shade are also clearly visible. In mature tomatoes, they change color to brick or reddish-brown, impregnations of the same tone are noticeable on a slice in the pulp.
Cardinal
The variety is listed in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation for 20 years. By maturity dates, it belongs to medium-late: the crop is harvested 120 days after emergence. The variety is valued for its high resistance to late blight and consistently high productivity, which is little affected by the vagaries of the weather. A tExcellent seed germination, including self-harvested seeds, is also noted.
Fruits are heart-shaped, with ribs clearly appearing at the peduncle, 5-7 in each hand. At the top - a characteristic "nose". The skin is pink and raspberry, matte. The average weight of the tomato is 440 g, the very first fruits gain weight up to 850 g. The pulp is very juicy, sweet, with a slight acidity. The skin is dense, but not stiff. Productivity - 7.2-8.4 kg per bush and about 16 kg / m².
It belongs to the category of semi-determinant, but differs in unlimited stem growth. The first fruit brush is formed above the eighth to ninth leaf, the next with an interval of 1-2 leaves. The bush is not particularly willing to branch, the foliage is weak. It is recommended to stop its growth upon reaching a height of about 2 m.
Video: Cardinal Tomatoes
Honey saved
A very popular variety among Russian gardeners. In the State register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation since 2006. Cultivated without restrictions regarding the region of cultivation. By ripening dates, it belongs to mid-ripening: the first fruits are removed 110-115 days after emergence. The variety is appreciated both for its excellent taste and for its unpretentiousness to growing conditions. Bushes well tolerate heat and drought. Their height, as a rule, is limited at the level of 1.5-1.8 m. The presence of high resistance to late blight, gray rot, and the mosaic virus is characteristic.
The shape of the fruit varies from regular and rounded to kidney-shaped and heart-shaped, the skin is smooth, glossy. Ripe tomatoes are painted in a beautiful golden orange or amber-honey color. Sometimes, where the sun fell on them, a pinkish tint appears. The flesh is sugary, very tender, sweet, with subtle sourness and a light honey aroma. For preservation, these fruits are not suitable. Seeds are very few. The average weight of the fetus is 160-220 g.
Productivity reaches 5.6 kg per bush, but only when planting in a suitable fertile soil. The fruits do not crack, they have very good stubbornness and transportability.
Like other yellow tomatoes, this variety is characterized by a high content of beta-carotene and lycopene, it causes allergies much less often than the "classic" red tomatoes. Such fruits can be introduced into the children's diet.
Video: review of the popular variety of tomatoes Honey saved
Japanese crab
Despite the name, the variety was bred in Siberia and specially adapted to the climatic characteristics of this region, although the State Register of Selection Achievements of the Russian Federation does not give any restrictions on this criterion. By maturity dates refers to mid-season. In Siberia he manages to give a crop even when planting seeds in open ground. The variety has an "innate" immunity to root and vertex rot, the tobacco mosaic virus. It is recommended to form bushes in one or two stems, pinching them upon reaching a height of 1.5 m. Their stepson is very active.
Fruits markedly flattened, with pronounced ribs. The skin is dense, but not stiff, pink-red or raspberry, the stalk remains a dark spot. The pulp is dense, very fleshy, almost without juice, with a pronounced aroma. The fruits are ideal for making ketchup or tomato paste, for a long time they retain an attractive appearance in salads. The average weight of one tomato is 250-350 g, individual copies reach a weight of 900 g.
Productivity - up to 15 kg / m² and about 5-6 kg per bush.
De barao
Variety bred in Brazil. He entered the Russian State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2000. It can be grown in any region suitable for gardening. The height of the bush without pinching reaches 4 m. By maturity dates refers to late ripening. The fruiting period stretches for about 3 months, begins 115-125 days after emergence. Accordingly, it is recommended to plant these tomatoes a week and a half earlier than other varieties.
Plants are immune to late blight at the genetic level; they rarely suffer from other diseases. Productivity is very high even when grown in open ground (25 kg / m² or more), and in the greenhouse this indicator rises to 40 kg / m². At the same time, experienced gardeners noticed that when planting a number of other varieties of tomatoes, it significantly decreases. The variety tolerates heat and cold, as well as a lack of light.
Based on the "classic" red tomato De Barao, a whole series of varieties was bred. Now in Russia you can find De Barao gold (the most fruitful - up to 7 kg of fruits from the bush), orange (with a high content of carotenoids), pink (less fruitful, but very tasty), black (with a very dense pulp, almost complete absence of seeds and juice) and royal. The latter is a novelty of breeding; it has recently been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation. It is distinguished by improved palatability, bears fruit until late autumn.
Fruits are elongated, plum-like, on their hands 8-9 pieces. The pulp is very dense, fleshy. Weight varies from 30-40 to 100 g. Tomatoes are ideal for home canning. The banks do not crack, preserve the shape and brightness of the color. But squeezing juice out of them will not work.
Video: De Barao Tomatoes
Miracle of the earth
Sometimes found under the name "Wonder of the World." It was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation in 2006, no restrictions regarding the cultivation region are indicated. Harvest maturity is medium. Productivity is not bad - 13.9 kg / m². The height of the bush is 2 m or more. The variety exhibits a certain "plasticity", successfully adapting to far from optimal weather conditions. These tomatoes crack very rarely.
Fruits are round or domed, with slightly pronounced ribs. The skin is a deep crimson hue. A very low percentage of defective non-marketable fruits is characteristic - no more than 2%. The average weight of a tomato is 380 g, of individual specimens - up to 700 g. 5-6 pieces are formed on a brush, one bush gives 8-10 clusters. The pulp is uniform, very tender, literally melting in the mouth, grainy on the cut, resembling a watermelon.
The "record holder" is officially registered - the Tomato Miracle of the Earth weighing 1200 g. To grow such a fruit, in the lowest brush you need to remove all the flowers, leaving only one. All forming flower buds are torn off, the plant is well watered, and fertilizing is done on time. A single brush must be tied to a support.
The variety is suitable mainly for fresh consumption, keeping quality is very low. These tomatoes are also good in preparations, suitable for the preparation of tomato paste, juices.
Video: unpretentious tomato variety Miracle of the earth
Typhoon
The variety is listed in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation since 1997; cultivation in the Black Sea region is recommended. However, in other regions, it is doing well, especially in central Russia. Harvest ripens in 99-117 days after emergence - this tomato is considered early. It has an "innate" immunity to cladosporiosis, alternariosis, and the tobacco mosaic virus. Does not impose increased requirements on the quality of soil substrate.
Fruits of the correct form, almost round or slightly flattened. The average weight is 34-57 g. The first tomatoes on the lowest brush can reach a mass of 80-100 g. The taste is very good, sweet. They make great juice. The fruits cannot boast of longevity and transportability. The pulp is quite loose, so when canned, tomatoes often turn into an unappetizing gruel.
This is a plant with a very powerful stem, standard. The ability to branch and leafy is average. When forming into several stems, it is necessary to tie up side shoots - they are quite fragile. The stem height, as a rule, is limited at the level of 1.8-2.2 m. The first fruit brush is formed low, above the 6-7th leaf. The total yield is 16-18 kg / m² or 4-6 kg per bush.
Cio Cio San
It performs equally well when planting both in open ground and in a greenhouse. The State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation (in which the variety has been registered since 1999) does not give any recommendations regarding the region of cultivation. According to the ripening dates, it belongs to the mid-early ones: the crop ripens in 110-120 days from the moment of emergence of seedlings. You can count on about 4-6 kg per bush.
Fruits are ovoid or plum-shaped, smooth, without ribbing. The pulp is dense, but juicy. The skin is pink-red. The average weight of a tomato is 35-40 g. The structure of the brush is unique - it is very long and branched, up to 50 one-dimensional fruits are formed on each branch. Taste is excellent in fresh and canned form.
The height of the bush is advised to limit at a level of 2 m. Plants do not differ in particular branching intensity and dense foliage, nevertheless, one should not forget about the support. The tomato does not suffer from late blight, the creators also protected it from the tobacco mosaic virus.
The indeterminant group includes quite a few varieties and hybrids of tomatoes. These are both old time-tested varieties and novelties of selection. Indisputable advantages and some disadvantages are inherent in each of them. Their main feature is unlimited stem growth, which necessitates the garter of the plant and its proper formation throughout the season. With proper care, these varieties are characterized by high productivity, the time spent on them is fully paid off.