There are hundreds of types of tomatoes home gardeners can choose from. They differ in size, color, and shape, and you’ll also find options like determinate or indeterminate, as well as heirloom or hybrid. While the variety makes tomato growing exciting, it can also feel a little overwhelming since there’s no single type that works for everyone. The secret is to match the tomato to your garden’s conditions and to your own needs as a gardener, cook, and tomato lover. If you’re just starting out, this guide will walk you through how to pick the varieties that will thrive in your garden.
Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes
Tomatoes are usually classified as either determinate or indeterminate, depending on how they grow.
Determinate varieties reach a set height and then stop growing. They produce their crop within a short window—often over a month or two. They are great for gardeners who want a quick, concentrated harvest. Because these plants stay more compact, they typically don’t need heavy support like cages or tall stakes.
Indeterminate varieties, on the other hand, keep growing and producing fruit all season long. With their vining habit, they can easily stretch five feet or more, so they benefit from sturdy cages or stakes to stay upright. These tomatoes are perfect if you enjoy picking fresh fruit throughout the summer.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes rank among the most popular types of tomatoes for home gardens. These plants produce bite-sized fruits, usually around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. They have a sweet, juicy flavor, which makes them a favorite for snacking and salads. The fruits often grow in clusters, giving gardeners a generous harvest. Most cherry tomato varieties mature quickly, usually within 60 days after transplanting, so you can enjoy fresh tomatoes earlier than larger types, which need more time to ripen.
Sungold
Sungold is a standout cherry tomato, famous for its golden-orange fruits and unbeatable sweetness. These indeterminate plants start producing early and continue all season until frost. They perform equally well in both garden beds and containers. With the support of a cage or trellis, Sungolds thrive near patios, making them perfect for easy snacking during outdoor gatherings. Best of all, they offer a long, steady harvest.
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Beefsteak tomatoes are the largest variety in the tomato world. Known for their thick, meaty texture, they shine when grilled, roasted, or sliced for sandwiches and burgers. Their rich flavor and dense flesh also make them an excellent choice for sauces.
Because beefsteak plants produce large, heavy fruits, they need sturdy support to prevent branches from breaking. Sturdy stakes or strong tomato cages help keep the plants upright and ensure a healthy, productive harvest.
Early Girl
Early Girl is one of the most reliable slicing tomato varieties. True to its name, it ripens earlier than most slicers. It’s an excellent pick for gardeners in cooler or northern regions. The plants stay compact, which makes them well-suited for pots, raised beds, and small gardens. On top of that, Early Girl offers decent resistance to common tomato diseases and gives you a steady and dependable harvest.
Plum Tomatoes
Plum tomatoes, often called paste, processing, or Roma tomatoes, are the go-to choice for sauces and pastes. Their oblong shape with rounded or pointed ends, thick walls, and meaty texture make them perfect for cooking. Unlike beefsteak or cherry tomatoes, plum types hold less water, so they cook down into a rich, concentrated flavor. Beyond sauces, they’re versatile enough to toss into salads, pasta dishes, salsas, or simply enjoy fresh off the vine.
Amish Paste
Amish Paste is a favorite plum tomato, especially among home cooks who make their own sauces. These large, egg-shaped fruits typically weigh between 8 and 12 ounces and boast a dense, flavorful flesh. Since the plants are indeterminate, they continue producing throughout the season and need strong stakes or cages for support.
When cooked, Amish Paste tomatoes transform into a smooth, hearty sauce that holds its texture without turning watery. They are perfect for homemade pasta dishes or slow-simmered recipes.
Celebrity
Celebrity has remained a gardener’s favorite for decades. This hybrid variety delivers heavy yields, reliable disease resistance, and plenty of medium-sized fruits that average around 7 ounces each. Because it’s a hybrid, Celebrity was created by cross-pollinating two different tomato types, resulting in a hardy plant that consistently produces flavorful harvests year after year. Its dependability makes it a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple is one of the most beloved heirloom tomatoes worldwide, admired for its rich, complex flavor that often tops tomato-tasting contests. The indeterminate plants bear generous crops of medium-to-large fruits with a unique appearance—flattened, dusky burgundy skins accented by purplish shoulders. Beyond their striking look, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are prized in the kitchen for their exceptional taste.
