Tomato Varieties With Tall Vines

Determinate and Indeterminate

• Determinate plants tend to bloom early and subsequently yield an early harvest. This makes them suitable for cold regions where growing seasons are short. Determinate tomato plants stop growing when they reach a predetermined height. The final flower bud appears at the terminal end of a vine, making future growth impossible. These tomatoes are bush varieties because they take on a bush-like form.

  Tomatoes with a vining habit are indeterminate growers. They continue producing lateral and upward growth throughout the entire growing season and do not have a terminating bud. Vining tomato varieties are suited for long growing seasons and for gardens with limited space for rows. Short vines tend to grow to 3 feet while long vines can reach lengths of 5 feet or more.

Early Growing Season

• Tomatoes require temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Early season vining tomatoes ripen within 50 to 60 days, if temperatures remain within the optimum range. Growers living in areas with short seasons, either because outdoor temperatures become too hot or too cold, should choose early vining varieties. Standard-shaped tomatoes like Early Girl have a long vining habit as do plum-shaped Juliet tomatoes. Cherry tomato varieties, like Sungold and Sweet Million, will continue producing on long vines throughout the entire short growing season.

Main and Late Season Varieties

• Main season tomatoes produce fruit within 60 to 70 days; late season varieties require 75 to 80 days until harvest. Main season vining tomatoes are available in a range of cultivars. Paste tomatoes like San Marzano and Amish Paste are harvested from their vines within 75 days. Standard tomatoes such as Better Boy and Quick Pick are harvested within 75 to 80 days.The longer the growing season the longer the vines. Tomatoes like Cherokee Purple and Caspian Pink will grow for up to three months given the right temperatures. Late season tomato vines can reach heights up to 6 feet or more.

Considerations

• Tomatoes with a vining habit will grow roots directly from their stem into the soil, which means the plants will require stakes and trellises to promote upward growth. Wire mesh tomato cages are used for plants with vines reaching heights up to 4 feet. Larger plants should be staked using sturdy metal, plastic or wood poles. Poles should be 8 feet high and 4 inches from the base of the plant. Set the pole 1 to 2 feet below ground to provide steady anchorage to the plant. Loosely tie the plant to the pole using nylon or other breathable material. Correctly staking a plant helps produce long, healthy vines.