Determinant tomatoes and their characteristics

Perhaps you have ever heard such an unusual phrase for the ear, as "determinant tomatoes." Few people know the meaning, although it is the simplest.

Tomato varieties are divided into two main types: determinant and indeterminate. Indeterminant varieties are varieties of tomato, which always grow in height almost endlessly. The only thing that stops their growth is unfavorable climatic conditions. Of the seeds of this variety, if all conditions are created for them, even a whole tree or tropical liana can grow. These are quite late-ripening varieties.

A determinant tomato varieties are simpler, and therefore are better suited for growing in kitchen gardens, household plots. It is about such varieties of speech and go.

In determinant varieties, in contrast to indeterminant, growth is limited, so these varieties have a second, simpler name - undersized. Also, early precocity, but there is such a disadvantage as the unequal size of the fruit on one plant. Especially widely it fluctuates, if the weather is unstable. However, if they are grown "for themselves", then this is of no great importance. It is most convenient to grow such tomatoes in small, low film greenhouses. But this does not mean that they can not be grown outdoors. Determinant tomatoes are more difficult to absorb nutrients, and therefore it is necessary to feed the plants more often than usual.

The determinant varieties of tomato are divided, in turn, into the following types:

1. Super-determinant - plants, in which the first inflorescence is located above the 7-8 leaf of the main shoot. Growth ceases after the formation of only 2 -3 inflorescences, so the yield of such varieties is rather low. They differ in the weakened development of stepsons and in very high precocity. All the fruits ripen at about the same time, which is very convenient.

2. Actually determinant tomatoes - plants with the first inflorescence over 8 - 9 leaves. Yields are somewhat higher, because growth is completed after the formation of approximately 5 inflorescences. The fruiting period is more extended than the super-determinant varieties. Stephens develop more actively. This variety appeared in the 80s of the last century. Widespread, replacing other varieties, due to their unique biological properties. In parallel, special methods were developed for molding determinant plants, aimed at increasing yields.

3. Half-determinant - plants with the first inflorescence over 10 - 12 leaves of the main shoot and about 4 lateral shoots. Fruits ripen, it turns out, later. The fruiting period is even more extended - throughout the growing season. The growth of the main stem (main) is completed after the formation of approximately 8 to 11 inflorescences.

If there is a desire, the development of a plant of a determinant variety can be continued. For example, you can direct one of the stepsons vertically up. Then this stepson will replace the main stem, but it will do this only until the inflorescence is formed on it.

Determinant tomatoes can be grown outdoors if the plant's growth is limited to the main shoot, that is, to shorten the period of fruiting, since the fruits will be formed only on this main stalk, because the others simply will not be.

The formation of determinant tomatoes depends on many factors - the climatic conditions of the terrain where they grow; Cultivation facilities used in cultivation; Goals pursued by the gardener. There are two main ways of molding tomatoes:

1. The point of growth is constantly translated into a lateral shoot. This method is more effective when grown in low greenhouses with a coating of film.

2. On the main stalk there are two stepsons, which need to be nipped, leaving only one brush and a leaf.

As a rule, all the features of growth and development of a particular variety are briefly described on a package with seeds. Therefore, if something is not clear, you can find additional information there. If it is not there, it is better not to purchase such seeds to avoid unnecessary difficulties later.