What Is The Difference Between Dwarf, Ind. and Det. Tomatoes?

Dwarf tomatoes are distinct in having a very thick, stout central stem and crinkly dark green foliage - known as "rugose". They behave as indeterminate varieties in that they fruit throughout the season, as distinguished from determinates, which tend to ripen their crop within a short period of time.

Determinates also have normal thickness central stems, are highly branched, with blossom clusters at the end of the branches. Dwarfs are more like very short indeterminates - by the end of the season, they are typically no more than 3-4 feet tall, depending upon the particular variety.

So, Indeterminates: normal diameter main stem, highly suckered, normal foliage that can be regular or potato leaf, fruit throughout the season, high foliage to fruit ratio, with the main stem and side shoots having the potential to grow 8-10 feet or more throughout the season.

Determinate - normal diameter main stem, highly branched, compact - foliage can be regular or potato leaf (Brandywine; indeterminate). Foliage is the same as the foliage on indeterminate varieties - not crinkly or rugose. Very high ratio of fruit to foliage, ripens its crop nearly all at once then kicks the bucket. Flavors tend to be bland due to the high fruit to foliage ratio. True determinates did not emerge until the 1920s, - such as Cooper's Special and Pritchard Scarlet Topper.

Dwarf - very thick main stem, not all that branched, but grows vertically very slowly, foliage can be potato or regular leaf but is in both cases very dark green and crinkly (rugose). As young seedlings, Determinate and Indeterminate are pretty much indistinguishable, but it is easy to identify dwarfs due to the much shorter appearance, thicker central stem and crinkly foliage. Like indeterminates, they fruit until frost, but top out at 3-4 feet - also, they fruit sporadically throughout the season, and the high foliage to fruit ratio allows for better flavors. Very few true dwarfs are known, with the better known ones Dwarf Champion, Golden Dwarf Champion, Dwarf Stone and Lime Green Salad.