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Extension Master GardenerSM VolunteerAngela Mason Foster continues her two part series this week. Enjoy!

Last week we featured the determinate tomato varieties. This week we turn our attention to the indeterminate tomato varieties available at the 2025 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale.

Heirloom tomatoes: History in every bite
Heirloom tomatoes are more than just a delicious addition to your garden—they’re a living piece of history. To be classified as “heirloom,” a tomato variety must be open-pollinated and passed down through generations, preserving its unique traits and flavors. Unlike hybrids, which are bred for specific characteristics like uniformity or disease resistance, heirlooms are prized for their diversity and exceptional taste. Whether you favor the smoky richness of Cherokee Purple or the tangy sweetness of Mexico Midget, heirlooms offer a window into gardening traditions and culinary heritage.

Why choose indeterminate tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a staple in gardens across Beaufort County, and among the most beloved varieties are indeterminate tomatoes. Unlike their determinate counterparts, which produce fruit all at once and then stop, indeterminate tomatoes grow continuously throughout the season. These vining plants provide a steady supply of fresh fruit, perfect for gardeners who enjoy harvesting tomatoes well into late summer and early fall.
If you’re looking to expand your garden this year, indeterminate tomatoes offer incredible diversity in flavor, color, and use. From sweet cherry varieties to robust beefsteaks, there’s an indeterminate tomato for every taste and gardening style.

Featured indeterminate varieties
Cherokee Purple (grafted) and Cherokee Carbon
Cherokee Purple and Cherokee Carbon are celebrated heirlooms known for their deep purple-red color and rich, smoky flavor. These tomatoes are perfect for slicing and elevating a simple sandwich or salad into a gourmet experience. The grafted Cherokee Purple offers enhanced vigor and disease resistance, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Black Krim
This striking tomato features a deep red hue with green shoulders and a unique, tangy-sweet flavor. Originating from Crimea, Black Krim is a must-try for gardeners who love bold, complex flavors. It’s excellent for salads, sauces, and even fresh off the vine.

Mortgage Lifter
With its charming backstory—a gardener developed it to pay off his mortgage—Mortgage Lifter is as fascinating as it is productive. This variety produces massive, pink, meaty fruits perfect for slicing and canning. Its reliable yield makes it a favorite for home gardeners year after year.

Mexico Midget and Sungold
Mexico Midget and Sungold prove that big things come in small packages. Mexico Midget packs an intense, robust flavor into bite-sized fruits, while Sungold is beloved for its sweet, tropical notes. These cherry tomatoes are perfect for snacking, tossing into salads, or adding a pop of color to any dish.

Chocolate Sprinkles and Verona
These two varieties combine striking appearance with unforgettable flavor. Chocolate Sprinkles delivers a sweet, rich taste with a deep brown-red hue, while Verona offers a balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile choice for fresh eating and cooking.

Captain Lucky, Green Giant, and Sweet Sue
For gardeners who love to experiment, these varieties offer a unique palette of green and yellow tomatoes with complex, savory profiles. Captain Lucky’s green-tinged fruits are a visual and culinary delight, while Green Giant and Sweet Sue add bright, cheerful hues to your garden.

Rosella Purple, Maralinga, and Speckled Heart
For the adventurous gardener, these lesser-known heirlooms combine stunning colors with complex flavors. Rosella Purple offers a unique mix of tartness and sweetness, Maralinga is a robust red variety with excellent versatility, and Speckled Heart’s marbled appearance is as delightful as its juicy taste.

Tips for growing indeterminate tomatoes
Indeterminate tomatoes require a bit of planning and care to thrive. Here are some tips to ensure your success:
Support your plants: Because indeterminate varieties grow continuously, they require sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises to support their height and heavy fruit loads.

Prune regularly: Pruning excess foliage and suckers can improve airflow, reduce the risk of disease, and focus the plant’s energy on producing fruit.
Feed and water consistently: These heavy feeders benefit from regular fertilization and consistent watering to prevent issues like blossom-end rot.

Join us at the plant sale
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale Saturday, April 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Beaufort County Extension Center, 155A Airport Rd, Washington, NC 27889. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to purchase high-quality indeterminate tomato plants and other garden favorites while supporting your local Extension Master Gardener program. Volunteers will be on-site to answer questions and provide gardening tips to help you grow a successful and bountiful garden.

Let’s get growing
Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with nature, nourish your family, and explore the incredible diversity of heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties. Indeterminate tomatoes, with their continuous growth and abundant harvests, offer a rewarding challenge for gardeners of all experience levels. This season, why not add a few of these exceptional varieties to your garden? Whether you’re drawn to the smoky richness of Cherokee Purple or the sweet allure of Sungold, there’s an indeterminate tomato waiting to transform your garden—and your plate.

If you are having trouble with growing in your home landscape, call the Extension office at (252)946-0111 or email Gene Fox at gene_fox@ncsu.edu. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources. Until then, Happy Gardening!