What is a Cordon Tomato Plant?

Tomatoes are one of the most beloved garden vegetables, offering sweet and juicy bites in all sorts of recipes, from salads to pastas. Among the different types of tomato plants, cordon tomato plants, also known as indeterminate tomato plants, have gained a lot of popularity due to their particular growth habit and the excellent flavor of their fruits.

What are Cordon Tomato Plants?

Cordon tomato plants are a variety of tomato plant that grows as a single stem, reaching up to 2 meters tall in some cases. They produce flowers, fruits, and leaves along that stem, and require some support to keep them stable and upright. The term "cordon" refers to the vertical nature of the growth habit, which contrasts with bush or determinate tomato plants, that grow as a round and compact plant.

Why Choose Cordon Tomato Plants?

Cordon tomato plants can offer several advantages for those who want to grow their own tomatoes. First of all, they tend to produce more fruit per plant than bush tomato plants, due to the tall and airy structure that allows plenty of light and air to reach all parts of it. Second, cordon tomato plants tend to keep producing fruit throughout the season, while determinate plants tend to have a shorter fruit production period. Finally, the fruits of cordon tomato plants tend to be larger and sweeter than those of determinate plants.

How to Grow Cordon Tomato Plants?

If you want to grow cordon tomato plants, there are some tips and tricks that can help you get the best results. Here are some of them:

Start your seeds indoors, around 6-8 weeks before the last frost, using a good quality seed-starting mix and a warm and bright location.

Transplant your seedlings to larger pots or containers once they have developed their first true leaves.

When planting your cordon tomato plants outdoors, choose a sunny and sheltered location with well-drained soil, and add some compost or fertilizer to prepare the bed.

Provide support for your plants by using stakes, cages or trellises, and tie the stems gently as they grow taller.

Water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal diseases and other issues.

Remove any suckers or side shoots that develop along the stem, as they can divert energy from the main stem and reduce fruit production.

Harvest your cordon tomato plants when the fruits are ripe and red, and enjoy them fresh or preserve them for later use.

Conclusion

Cordon tomato plants are a great choice for those who want to grow delicious and nutritious tomatoes in their gardens. With their tall and airy structure, high fruit production, and excellent flavor, cordon tomato plants can offer a rewarding and tasty gardening experience. By following some basic tips and tricks, anyone can learn how to grow cordon tomato plants and enjoy the sweet and juicy fruits of their labor.