Cincinnati Gardeners, love tomatoes! This week, our growers share their tips on choosing the right plant for your garden.

What are the differences in tomatoes?

Hybrid Tomato

The hybrid tomato is two different varieties of tomato that cross-pollinated. The result is a tomato that has the best characteristics of the parents. 

The growers of hybrids take into consideration the following attributes:

• Fruit size
• Disease and virus resistance 
• Higher yields and plant size
• Dependability
• Care

Heirloom Tomato

The heirloom tomato is an open-pollinated selection that passed down for generations. Also, they are known for better flavor, colorful, and exciting fruit. While it may not be as disease-resistant or as productive as hybrids, it makes up for it in taste.

Grafted Tomato

A grafted tomato is an heirloom tomato top grated on to a hybrid root system. Also, they achieve heirloom fruit with a disease-resistant and durable root system.

Marriage Tomato

A marriage tomato is two heirloom tomatoes cross-pollinated to get the best of both parents. As a result, it becomes no longer an heirloom during the cross-pollination process.

What is the difference between Indeterminate and Determinate Tomatoes

Indeterminate Tomatoes

The indeterminate tomato grows, flowers, and produces all season. They require more trellising, staking, and support systems than determinate tomatoes.

Determinate Tomatoes?

Also called bush types, determinate tomatoes will produce a great harvest. With relatively compact vines, they bare their full crop in a shorter period. They are great for container gardens or smaller spaces.

What are the different colors?

Yes, you can get a tomato in an array of colors. Here are other colors to add to your garden:

• The yellow and orange varieties are less acidic and have a sweeter flavor than the reds and pinks.
• But, don’t forget the purple, green, and striped heirloom selections are delicious!

Special Garden Tip: When planting your tomatoes, choose varieties that mature early and late in the season. As a result, you will get to enjoy them all season! Find the right tomato for you yard SEARCH THE TOMATO LIBRARY!

Have a tomato question?  Ask our experts!