We have over 15000 known varieties, and at least 3000 heirloom or heritage varieties are still in active cultivation worldwide. Tomato plants are of the night shade family (Solanacea), which includes chillies, tobacco, potatoes, eggplants and peppers.
These are classified as fruits rather than the general perception that they are vegetables. There are two types of tomatoes which describe the length of time over which the plants bear their fruits.
Indeterminate Tomatoes: Have a winning habit, as they can grow up to 6 metres unless they are pinched back. They will keep on producing for about 8 months until they are killed by frost or diseases. These are often grown in green-houses under controlled conditions and intensive farming systems for their commercial productivity.
Determinate Tomatoes: Are bushy, and can grow to just above a metre tall. They tend to ripen early, and produce all of their fruit at the same time, and then die back after the harvest.
