Monster Bloom

SuntannedSwede · June 13, 2017

I have never grown anything larger than cherries before so if this is normal I apologize- but one of my Cherokee Purple plants has a gigantic flower on it, right next to a 'regular sized' one. Should I just leave it?

Here is a photo

Father'sDaughter · June 13, 2017

Totally up to you. Some leave them and see how big (and usually misshapen) of a tomato these produce. Some remove them.

Personally, I choose to remove them as they seem to slow fruit set down until the ripen enough to be picked. I've never researched to see if this is fact or just my interpretation of what's happening.

So again, totally up to you!

JohnJones · June 14, 2017

It is likely a fused blossom. In my experience, they are pretty common on many heirlooms early in the growing season. I think the cause is cooler temps, but others here can give a much better explanation.

I let them go. Often the plant aborts the blossom or no tomato develops, but you can also get some weird, wonderful whoppers.

I have a crazy big (for me) Cherokee Lime specimen developing right now from a fused blossom.

They are also called Megablooms by many.

oakley · June 15, 2017

You should keep it being your first. It is interesting especially if you are sharing your
gardening experience with friends and family. Especially kids. A learning
experience. Kids love monster fruit. You never know what you'll get.

Those that have been around the block a few times often abort/remove any early
megablooms.

I've noticed some market gardeners will grow a few to add to their FarmersMarket table
for the wow factor and discussion.

I often leave one or two if found on a variety i have a few plants growing. I don't want
dozens so i remove if i find many.

I had one this past winter on a RedRobin micro. Did not notice until fruit. It was a triple
wide cherry with folds, banana boat shape.

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June 13, 2017	#2
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,919	Totally up to you. Some leave them and see how big (and usually misshapen) of a tomato these produce. Some remove them. Personally, I choose to remove them as they seem to slow fruit set down until the ripen enough to be picked. I've never researched to see if this is fact or just my interpretation of what's happening. So again, totally up to you!

June 14, 2017	#3
JohnJones Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Mississippi Posts: 339	It is likely a fused blossom. In my experience, they are pretty common on many heirlooms early in the growing season. I think the cause is cooler temps, but others here can give a much better explanation. I let them go. Often the plant aborts the blossom or no tomato develops, but you can also get some weird, wonderful whoppers. I have a crazy big (for me) Cherokee Lime specimen developing right now from a fused blossom. They are also called Megablooms by many.

June 15, 2017	#4
oakley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NewYork 5a Posts: 2,303	You should keep it being your first. It is interesting especially if you are sharing your gardening experience with friends and family. Especially kids. A learning experience. Kids love monster fruit. You never know what you'll get. Those that have been around the block a few times often abort/remove any early megablooms. I've noticed some market gardeners will grow a few to add to their FarmersMarket table for the wow factor and discussion. I often leave one or two if found on a variety i have a few plants growing. I don't want dozens so i remove if i find many. I had one this past winter on a RedRobin micro. Did not notice until fruit. It was a triple wide cherry with folds, banana boat shape.