How Deep & Wide Does a Full-Grown Tomato Plant Grow?

Determinate Tomatoes

• Determinate plants, also called bush tomatoes, produce upright, bushy growth that only grows to a certain height. These multi-stemmed plants usually only grow 3 to 4 feet tall before they begin flowering at the terminal end of each upright stem, which prevents further growth. A few, like “Celebrity,” can grow as much as 5 feet tall. Determinate tomatoes usually grow to 24 to 36 inches wide and require similar spacing, although size can vary depending on the specific variety and climate conditions.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

• The indeterminate types continue to grow throughout summer, so they typically reach 6 feet or taller by the end of the growing season. Varieties include “Early Girl” and “Better Boy.” These plants don't produce terminal flowers so the vinelike stems continue their upward growth until frost kills the plants. Indeterminate types are often trained up stakes so they don't grow as wide or deep as determinate varieties. Generally, 15 to 24 inches between plants provides plenty of room for these plants to grow when they are properly trained.

Size Management

• A tomato cage, which sits over the plant and keeps it upright, provides sufficient support for determinate tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes don't require pruning, and a cage confines the plant to its growing area. Indeterminate tomatoes require pruning and staking, otherwise the plants sprawl and can take up a large space while producing few tomatoes. Staking keeps the plants upright and minimizes the space needed. Generally, indeterminate tomatoes are pruned to two or three main stems which are fastened to the stake. If the plants become too tall, you can pinch off the tip of the stems to minimize further upward growth.

Dwarf Tomatoes

• Dwarf and patio tomatoes are determinate, but they grow much smaller than other varieties. Size varies depending on the plant but most, including the “New Big Dwarf” variety, grow no more than 2 feet tall and some grow only a foot tall. These plants don't usually require support. Dwarf tomatoes take up minimal width in a garden bed, and they can also grow in small 12-inch pots or hanging baskets. Pruning isn't necessary to maintain their small size.