Term: Determinate

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Determinate tomatoes, also called bush tomatoes, are a subset of the plant which is characterized by its compact size. These plants don’t necessarily need support, but a tomato cage will keep vines and fruit off the ground. Plants will usually reach 3–6 feet tall and don’t like getting pruned. Plants produce and ripen all their fruit in a short time period of a few weeks, so you’d better be ready to get preserving! This type is best for growing in containers and/or climates with short growing seasons. Many of these plants are hybrids, but you can find a handful of heirloom determinate varieties.

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