Are Champion Tomatoes Determinate Plants?

Indeterminate and Determinate

• Determinate plants grow to a certain size -- usually in a bush shape. Determinate tomato plants are often called bush tomatoes. They require less pruning or training to a cane or trellis. In the case of "Champion" tomatoes, the plant grows in an indeterminate shape. This means that vines continue to grow and produce fruit throughout a season. "Champion" tomatoes grow to large sizes, so tying the vines to cane helps prevent stem breakage.

"Champion" Tomatoes

• "Champion" tomato plants grow to 5 feet tall and produce tomatoes up to 7 oz. each, according to the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. They mature late in the season, taking around 70 days to produce fruit. However, the tomatoes ripen fast when they appear on the vine. In general, "Champion" plants grow in a strong upright fashion. This makes training and tying easier, as well as making it easier to access the fruit for harvest.

"Bush Champion" Tomatoes

• Though classic "Champion" tomatoes are indeterminate, you can buy a variety called "Bush Champion." The plant grows smaller than the indeterminate "Champion" variety, but it produces tomatoes as big as and often bigger than its more upright cousin. "Bush Champion" tomato plants reach around 24 inches in height. Like "Champion" tomatoes, the bush-variety fruit makes great sandwich filler. According to the Tomato Growers Supply Company, "Bush Champion" tomatoes can weigh 12 oz.

Considerations

• Determinate tomato species often grow without any support, though stakes and wire cages help the plant keep some shape. "Bush Champion" plants grow well in a cage support, which offers the added benefit of keeping the fruit off the ground. "Champion" tomato plants grow well with a layer of wood chip mulch on the surrounding soil. This helps keep more moisture in the ground -- essential for healthy tomato growth.