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Kinds of Tomatoes

Types of Tomato Seeds

Heirloom tomato seeds are saved and replanted each season. Saving seeds results in tomatoes that are varied in shape and size and remain ripe for a short period. Hybrid seeds are crossed with other seeds to try to alter specific characteristics in the fruit, such as disease susceptibility or flavor.

Types of Tomato Vines

Tomatoes grow on vines that are either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate vine plants are typically smaller and bushier. The leaves generally stop growing when the plant reaches around three feet tall. The fruit on determinate vines generally ripens all at once over a period of two to four weeks. Indeterminate plants grow as tall and wide as they can given their circumstances. These plants have to be caged to avoid sprawling vines taking over the entire garden. New fruit will continue to grow until frost kills the plant.

Tomato Shapes

Basic tomato shapes include the standard globe, cherry, beefsteak or pear shapes. You will most likely find different varieties of globe tomatoes at your local grocery store. They are medium in size, round and smooth. Cherry tomatoes are small and round, and they come in several colors. Beefsteak tomatoes are large, almost oblong-shaped tomatoes. Pear tomatoes are shaped like a pear with an elongated shape that is smaller near the stem. Plum tomatoes are also in this category as well as the popular Roma tomato.