How Many Tomato Varieties Are There?
Tomatoes come in all types, from the sweet cherry tomatoes clustering on a vine to the juicy beefsteak tomatoes you'd slap on a burger. You can grow varieties shaped like plums, pears, grapes, and more; you can choose between heirlooms varieties and new hybrids. So in short, there are hundreds to choose from.
Whichever variety you choose, keep in mind that tomatoes are what we call a long and lengthy plant, meaning they take up a lot of space in the garden and will grow for a long time (65 to 90 days before your first harvest, compared to the 30 to 40 days for something like kale, spinach, or herbs).
If you're ready to invest that kind of space and time in your garden, the fruits of your labor will be oh, so sweet.
My Favorite Tomato Varieties to Grow Are Indeterminate Tomatoes
Between determinate (bush) and indeterminate (vining) types, I prefer growing the latter. An indeterminate tomato will produce fruit in clusters over and over again until your first frost comes, while a determinate tomato plant will produce fruit all at once.
I train several cherry and grape tomato vines, both indeterminate, up and over my arch trellises every warm season and harvest clusters of tomatoes frequently from the vines. I love cherry and grape varieties because I can harvest a ton of them, cut them up, and use them just like I would a big tomato, but I don't have to wait around for a big tomato to form. Also, I'm not the type to spend a lot of time in my kitchen processing and canning fruits. With a vining type, I can pick a little, let it keep growing, and return to pick some more.
The tomato varieties named below are all, therefore, indeterminate types.
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BLACK CHERRY TOMATOES
This heirloom variety (pictured above) produces gorgeous dark purple cherry tomatoes in clusters.
JULIET TOMATOES
Incredibly tasty, Juliets (pictured above) produce small red grape tomatoes in abundance.
SUNGOLD TOMATOES
This super popular variety of cherry tomatoes (pictured above) is probably the most prolific that I grow. Sungold are so named because they ripen to a beautiful golden orange. Once they start producing fruit, you can harvest from them twice a week.
Where to Buy These Tomato Varieties Seeds
I love the heirloom varieties available from Baker Creek, Johnny's Selected Seeds, and Botanical Interests. You'll find so many options and flavors to try. I also recommend visiting your local nursery and asking what grows well in your area.
In addition to the three varieties mentioned above, I've also loved growing Sweet Million, Paul Robeson, and Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes.
The Green Thumb Quiz
Find inspiration and free resources to grow your self further by taking our fun and quick Green Thumb Quiz.
What to Plant With Your Tomatoes
Thoughtful planting in your kitchen garden can improve the health of your tomato plants. Here are my top recommendations for what to plant around your tomatoes.
FLOWERS TO GO WITH TOMATOES
Calendula, cosmos, marigolds, and nasturtiums are my favorite flowers to plant near tomatoes.
HERBS TO GO WITH TOMATOES
Basil, chives, garlic, parsley, onion, and sage make excellent companions.
VEGGIES TO GO WITH TOMATOES
Beans go well in warm season gardens with tomatoes. You can also use your growing tomatoes to give some shade to lettuce as it hangs in there in the warming weather.
Ready to Grow Your Own?
Read our complete guide to growing your own tomatoes in your kitchen garden for details on when to plant your tomatoes, how to care for them, and the best way to harvest to encourage your vines to produce even more delicious fruits for you.
