Jim, if you look at the top of this page you'll see a link the FAQ's and the first FAQ answers your question concisely and although there are other subtle differences, the main differences important to know in selecting indet vs det varities is there.

You might want to look at some of the other FAQ's there b'c many of them can be very useful to tomato growers.

Carolyn

Here is a link that might be useful: indet vs det plant habit

Carolyn,

I know the accepted definition is that Dets. produce fruit in a short period of time, but that has not been my experience, at least with several varieties. Roma, Green Sausage, Florida 91 and Siletz are four that come to mind. All were (are) determinate and all produced fruit from mid-summer to the killing frost.

There are a few types that are called one-pick, those where most of the fruit ripen at the same time.

Mike

Sure there are exceptions - always are ;) - and climate and weather patterns always play a big role in length of production time.

But the FAQ Carolyn linked above covers all the basics of the question of det. vs. indet.

Dave

Absolutely true Mike, that there are determinats that can produce all season, but the majority of them don't.

As with all things biology related one can never say that ALL indets are better than dets, or the reverse, or that ALL PL's are better than most or some or a few RL's. LOL

If you're refering to the FAQ I linked to I just skimmed it and thought for general purposes for buying seeds or plants it would do. It's a FAQ that was here when I came to GW in about 2000 but many of the others are newer and were put together much more recently.

Carolyn

Thx for that link to the FAQ. I didnt even think to try that. I think i understand the classification now :)

Jim

shoontok it to bad you did not think of that since thinking is a good way to solve problems.

Not thinking is not as bad as other things.

Ribsy and Spring. You folks are right too. Thx.

I think i will stick with indeterminate types for now since they seem like they will grow all season long.

Thx again
Jim

No problem man. I do not believe there is a wrong question. I think this place has people that will take care of them. And that is what it is all about, right?

Tomato breeding doesn't make the answer to this question black or white, either. There are a large number of tomatoes now classified at ISI, or indeterminate short internode. IOW the plant stays in bounds, often not much larger than a patio tomato, but bears full sized fruit all season long. I have grown Husky Red, and also better bush. Both were very good producers with great taste.