Classification of tomato species, groups and varieties
What is the difference between a standard tomato and an indeterminate tomato? Why are not all tomatoes suitable for processing? What does the color of tomatoes say? Find out the answers to these and other questions in our material.
Tomato to tomato strife! And they differ not only in early maturity, thermophilicity and size, but also in shape, color of the fruit, size of the bush and purpose. To clearly know what to expect from a particular type of tomato, take our detailed classification into service.
Classification of tomatoes by height
Tomatoes are not only low or tall, according to "growth" they are divided into 5 groups:
Name | Description | Bush sizes |
Indeterminate | The tallest of all tomatoes. When growing such varieties, it is imperative to install supports under each bush and carry out the timely removal of stepchildren. In the northern regions, cultivation in a greenhouse is recommended. | From 2 m and above, stem height is not limited |
Superdeterminant | Low-growing varieties of tomatoes that stop growing after the formation of the third brush. Early fruiting, friendly return of the crop. | 30 to 60 cm |
determinant | The growth of these varieties of tomatoes stops after the laying of 4-5 flower brushes, which are formed every 2 leaves, starting from the fifth or seventh. Requires garter stems and removal of stepchildren. | From 60 cm to 1 m |
Semi-determinant | Late-ripening varieties with tall stems. The ovaries are formed every 2-3 leaves. The maximum number of inflorescences is 9-12. Varieties recommended for growing in a greenhouse, a garter is required. | 150 to 200 cm |
Standard | Low compact bushes with a thickened short stem, do not require garters and pinching. | 40 to 60 cm |
Let's explain the features of each of them.
01.Indeterminate tomatoes
Tomatoes of indeterminate varieties are the tallest of all their "brothers". Their growth is practically unlimited - the main stem can reach 2.5 m (or even 3 m!) In length. In the absence of formation, the bushes of such tomatoes can form a real impenetrable jungle.
This is both good and bad at the same time. On the one hand, the impressive size of the bush means that this tomato grows quite slowly and brings the first crop on average 30-40 days later. That is why it is unlikely that it will be possible to grow indeterminate tomatoes in the open field in the middle lane. On the other hand, new generative buds are constantly laid on such shoots: the fruits ripen gradually, and there can be up to 40-50 brushes on one bush.
It is easy to understand why it is the tomatoes of the indeterminate group that are most often planted for commercial purposes.
Such tomatoes need serious shaping: it is necessary to remove all stepchildren in order not to allow them to draw nutrients onto themselves. In greenhouses, they are best formed vertically around retaining posts. So, the tomato bed will be compact.
02.Super determinant tomatoes
In superdeterminant tomatoes, a low compact bush is formed with 2-3 inflorescences on the main and side shoots. It does not take much time for the development of the vegetative part of the plant, the ovaries begin to form early, so these tomatoes are the earliest ripening, they give the harvest together.
The second wave of flowering begins after the ripening of tomatoes on the first brushes. As a rule, superdeterminant tomatoes do not need pinching at all. These tomatoes are ideal for those who want to get a crop quickly and without any hassle.
03.Determinate Tomatoes
The growth of these tomatoes is limited to 4-6 brushes. The bush of a plant of this variety will be slightly larger in size than that of a super determinant tomato. The second wave of flowering begins with the formation of fruits on the first ovaries.
The fruits of tomatoes of this group ripen 5-7 days later than those of superdeterminant ones - they belong to mid-ripening tomatoes. Their yield and duration of fruiting is higher than that of earlier varieties.
Determinate tomatoes usually need pinching and garter. They can be grown outdoors.
04.Semi-determinate tomatoes
Semi-determinant - these are late-ripening tall tomatoes. Their inflorescences are laid every 2-3 leaves. The fruits ripen uniformly and evenly throughout the growing season.
These tomatoes have a powerful, well-branched root system: some roots penetrate to a depth of 1.5 m, although most are still located close to the surface of the earth.
In the middle lane, semi-determinant tomatoes are best grown in greenhouses, forming a bush on two stems.
05.Standard tomatoes
Plants of this group of varieties can be called "for the lazy" tomatoes. They form a compact bush on a thick short stem and do not need pinching and shaping.
Their leaves are located closer to each other, the ovaries are more compactly "scattered" along the stem, therefore, with a relatively small size, the bush gives a good harvest.
Standard tomatoes are planted according to the scheme 100 × 50 cm, since the feeding area required for each bush is about 0.5 sq.m.
Classification of tomatoes by maturity
For tomatoes, as well as for other vegetable crops, different terms of fruit ripening are characteristic, from early to very late. It depends on this characteristic whether it is possible to grow tomatoes in open ground or in a greenhouse, in the middle lane or only in the southern regions.
01.Ultra-early tomatoes
From the moment the first shoots appear to the fruit ripening, ultra-early tomatoes take 80-85 days (sometimes there are varieties and hybrids that yield in 75-79 days ).
Usually these are super determinant tomatoes with small and not very sweet fruits. The low sugar content in the pulp is due to the fact that these tomatoes grow in conditions of short daylight hours.
Whether it is worth planting ultra-early tomatoes, given their low yield and taste "for an amateur", is up to you. If daylight hours are short in your area, then most likely, ultra-early tomatoes are just your option. But if your goal is juicy, sweet tomatoes, it would be better to plant seedlings of mid-ripening tomatoes in the greenhouse a little earlier than usual
02.Early ripe tomatoes
Early-ripening tomatoes can be harvested 90-95 days after germination, that is, 5-7 days later than ultra-early ones. In this group of varieties, there can be both low standard tomatoes and medium-sized determinant varieties.
If you live in a cold region with short daylight hours, early tomatoes will suit you perfectly.
03.Medium early tomatoes
The ripening period for mid-early tomatoes takes 100-103 days. Mid-early tomatoes can be grown outdoors, in a greenhouse, or under temporary film cover. It is advisable to have beds with tomatoes on the south side of the site.
04.Mid-ripening tomatoes
The ripening time of fruits of mid-ripening tomatoes is 100-115 days after germination. These tomatoes require much more sunlight to ripen than early varieties. Most varieties of this group can be grown both in greenhouses and in open ground.
05.Late ripening tomato varieties
It takes 120-130 days to ripen tomatoes of this group, so you should not hesitate to sow them.
It is risky to grow late tomatoes in open ground in the middle lane. Early frosts can easily deprive you of the harvest. The best option is a greenhouse.
This group includes all tall varieties that take a long time to build up a green "mass".
Classification of tomatoes by purpose
The variety of tomatoes for your garden should be selected taking into account not only the climatic features of the region, but also your plans for the harvest. Indeed, it depends on what shape, size, density the fruits will be, whether they are suitable only for salads or will also fit for home seaming.
01.Tomatoes for fresh consumption
What should be the tomatoes that go straight from the garden to the salad? Juicy, fleshy, sweet, thin-skinned. Beef tomatoes ( Bull's heart, Cow's heart ), cherry tomatoes ( Dessert, Cherry pink, Madeira F1 ) and any other tomatoes with a pleasant taste and dense pulp are
ideal for this purpose.
02.Tomatoes for processing
If not, a single season is complete without harvesting vegetables grown in your garden for the winter, it makes sense to allocate one bed for tomatoes intended for processing. Tomatoes that are suitable for drying and making lechos , sauces or tomato juice should be fleshy, with a minimum number of seeds. But their sweet taste is not at all necessary, given that the fruits are to be heat treated.
In most recipes, the skin is recommended to be removed, so for such tomatoes it should not be too dense.
03.Tomatoes for canning
Tomatoes for pickling and canning should be small, regular in shape, dense, with a hard skin that is resistant to cracking.
04.General Purpose Tomatoes
If you do not have the opportunity to allocate separate beds for tomatoes for different purposes, choose universal varieties for sowing, the fruits of which are good fresh and will not lose their shape during canning.
Classification of tomatoes by color
The traditional color of tomatoes is red. Slightly less common are yellow or pink, and white, black, purple and green tomatoes are infrequent guests on our table. But in vain! Growing these tomatoes is not so difficult, they are tasty and extremely healthy.
01.Red tomatoes
Red tomatoes are a classic of the genre. They owe their color to the pigment lycopene. It is believed that this substance contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular and even oncological diseases, as well as eye diseases.
True, you should not abuse red tomatoes. They are not toxic, but there is a known case when one tomato lover literally turned red on a tomato diet. Fortunately, the skin regained a healthy tone after eliminating this vegetable from the diet.
02.Yellow and orange tomatoes
The color of these tomatoes is due to the high content of alpha- and beta-carotene in the fruits, as well as vitamin C.
Thanks to these substances, eating orange and yellow tomatoes helps improve vision and skin elasticity, reduces the risk of developing diseases of the stomach and respiratory organs (including lung cancer), relieves inflammation in arthritis.
03.Pink tomatoes
Pink tomatoes are sweeter, more tender and healthier than red ones: they contain much more trace elements and sugars, as well as individual B vitamins, lycopene and carotene.
Regular consumption of pink tomatoes strengthens the immune system, improves cerebral circulation, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and helps fight fatigue and depression.
04.Purple tomatoes
The purple color of the fruits of such tomatoes is due to the phenols and anthocyanins contained in them. These substances strengthen the heart muscle, reduce the risk of stroke, improve coordination, restore emotional balance, and improve working memory in the elderly.
05.Green tomatoes
The green color of a tomato is not necessarily a sign of immaturity. Green-fruited tomatoes are a novelty of the world selection. They are a real salvation for allergy sufferers who do not tolerate lycopene and anthocyanins contained in the fruits of traditionally colored tomatoes.
06.Black tomatoes
Like purple tomatoes, black tomatoes boast a high anthocyanin content. However, in addition to a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, black tomatoes are considered an aphrodisiac and are good for men's health.
07.White tomatoes
The white color of tomatoes is due to the content of anthoxanthin in the fruits. This pigment is useful for strengthening immunity, normalizing blood pressure and fighting cholesterol.
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