When do you let blossoms develop?

DoubleJ · February 20, 2009

I heard that when you transplant, and for a short while after, you should pick off the blossoms so the tomato plant grows strong roots. How long do you do this? At what point or what size of plant, do you let the blossoms develop?

**nctomatoman** · February 20, 2009

I've never picked off any blossoms....doesn't set the plants back one bit in my experience, and you get the occasional very early tomato as a bonus.

montanamato · February 20, 2009

Another non blossom picker....30 years of letting everything set...I'll take everything a plant wants to grow...

Jeanne

ContainerTed · February 20, 2009

John, rather than pick blossoms, use some Bio-Tone or similar product at first pot transfer. That should enhance root growth. Then, at planting time, switch to your regular fertilizer or whatever.

Ted

February 20, 2009	#1
DoubleJ Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 127	When do you let blossoms develop? I heard that when you transplant, and for a short while after, you should pick off the blossoms so the tomato plant grows strong roots. How long do you do this? At what point or what size of plant, do you let the blossoms develop?

February 20, 2009	#2
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	I've never picked off any blossoms....doesn't set the plants back one bit in my experience, and you get the occasional very early tomato as a bonus. __________________ Craig

February 20, 2009	#4
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	John, rather than pick blossoms, use some Bio-Tone or similar product at first pot transfer. That should enhance root growth. Then, at planting time, switch to your regular fertilizer or whatever. Ted __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

February 20, 2009	#3
montanamato Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 1,038	Another non blossom picker....30 years of letting everything set...I'll take everything a plant wants to grow... Jeanne