The Striped German Tomato, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum, is a unique and sought-after heirloom variety. One common question that gardeners often ask is whether this tomato is determinate or indeterminate in its growth habit. While most seed catalogues label it as indeterminate, based on my personal experience and observations, I would describe its growth habit as semi-determinate.
When we talk about determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, we are referring to the way the plants grow and produce fruit. Determinate tomatoes are often referred to as bush tomatoes, as they have a compact and bushy growth habit. These plants tend to reach a predetermined height and then stop growing, setting their fruit all at once. Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, are more like vines. They continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, often requiring staking or trellising for support.
Now, when it comes to the Striped German Tomato, it exhibits a growth habit that falls somewhere in between these two categories. The plants are tough and sturdy, with strong vines that have a tendency to grow to a certain height and then slow down their growth. While they may continue to produce fruit throughout the season, the majority of the fruit is typically set earlier in the growing period.
The fruit itself is another characteristic that sets the Striped German Tomato apart. These tomatoes are medium to large in size and display a beautiful bi-colour pattern of red and yellow. The combination of these vibrant colours adds visual appeal to any garden or plate.
In my personal experience, I have found that the Striped German Tomato plants tend to grow to a manageable height, making them easier to support and harvest. They have a more compact and tidy appearance compared to traditional indeterminate varieties. However, they do not exhibit the compact and bushy growth of determinate varieties.
To summarize, while most seed catalogues classify the Striped German Tomato as indeterminate, I would describe it as a semi-determinate variety. Its tough and sturdy plants with semi-vining growth habits make it a unique and desirable choice for gardeners looking for something in between the determinate and indeterminate categories. The medium to large bi-colour fruit adds a delightful aesthetic touch to any garden or culinary creation.
