Tomato is an annual plant, which can reach a height of over two metres. Three di"erent types of tomato plants can be distinguished:

• tall or indeterminate type

• semi-bush or semi-indeterminate type

• bush or determinate type The tall varieties are the best choice for a long harvest period. They keep growing after flowering. This feature is called indeterminate.

The plants generally have more foliage. This will keep the temperature lower within the crop and the fruits grow in the shade of the leaves. Because they are covered, the sun does not damage the fruits and they ripen more slowly. Slower ripening and a high leaf/fruit ratio improve the taste of the fruits and in particular the sweetness. The tall types have to be staked, caged or trellised.