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Old March 18, 2011   #22
nctomatoman
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7
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I think the dwarf situation is worth discussing a bit more. ALL dwarfs are "shorter" than indeterminate varieties, and all ALL dwarfs are very distinct in growth habit - very stocky, thick central stem, crinkly, dark green foliage. When we refer to indeterminate and determinate dwarfs, it is more around how they shoot out the blossom clusters, and height potential. Indeterminate dwarfs - such as Summertime Green, Summertime Gold (all of the Sneezy family), will top out at 4 feet or maybe a bit more by the end of the growing season (compare to a true indeterminate, which can go 8-12 plus feet, if you stake). They tend to have the blossom clusters off the main central stem, within the foliage radius of the plant (you don't typically see indeterminate dwarfs shooting blossom clusters beyond the foliage). Determinate dwarfs, which seem to be a characteristic of the Sleepy family - Rosella Crimson, Rosella Purple as examples - and the Grumpy family - are "rounder" looking plants - more branching, less rapid upward growth, topping out at 3 feet or so. These are the ones that can pop enormous blossom clusters out the top of the plants. But all Dwarfs, like indeterminate varieties, flower and fruit all year, until killed by frost.

It really isn't all that clear cut - there are selections that seem to be in between the two above. But it really isn't important, since all dwarfs - both determinate and indeterminate - are easily caged and grown on short stakes.....
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