Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 1 | What is the Difference Between Bush and Vine Tomatoes?

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Every year, our wonderful gardening customers in the Smiths Falls and Brockville area come to us for tips on growing the perfect tomato. In today’s gardening tip, we’re talking about one of the most common questions we hear: the difference between bush and vine tomatoes.

The exquisite flavour of homegrown tomatoes usually puts them at the top of most gardeners’ planting lists. With so many tomato varieties available on the market, choosing the right one for your space and goals can feel a little overwhelming.

Let’s start with the difference between determinate (bush) and indeterminate (vine) tomato plant varieties.

Determinate (bush) or Indeterminate (vine)

Every tomato—regardless of size, colour, or taste—falls into one of two categories: determinate or indeterminate. Most growing tags will clearly indicate this on the label.

Determinate | These tomatoes are often referred to as bush tomatoes. They are bred to grow to a compact height (approximately 4 feet). Determinate tomatoes stop growing once fruit sets on the terminal, or top, bud and tend to ripen all of their crop at roughly the same time, usually over a two-week period. These varieties often ripen earlier in the season and are most commonly hybridized. One of the biggest advantages of determinate tomatoes is that they require minimal staking, making them ideal for containers and patio gardens. Because the fruit ripens all at once, they’re also a great choice for anyone interested in canning, making sauce, or freezing tomatoes.

Indeterminate | These tomatoes are commonly called vine tomatoes. They can grow upwards of 12 feet, although 6 feet is more typical in most gardens. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to produce blooms and set fruit until the plant dies, giving you a steady harvest throughout the season. These plants require more staking and support due to their ongoing growth. Indeterminate varieties are often heirloom tomatoes and are well suited for gardeners who want fresh tomatoes available all summer long. Because of their size and growth habit, they’re best grown directly in the garden rather than in containers.

Next up: we’ll take a closer look at the varieties of tomatoes you might be interested in growing in your garden.