What Makes Blooms Fall off Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens. They make a great addition to salads, sauces, and countless other dishes. However, tomato plants can be temperamental, and one issue that gardeners often face is the frustrating phenomenon of flower drop. This occurs when tomato plants produce blooms, but the flowers fall off before they can develop into a fruit. Here are some of the reasons why this happens:

Temperature

High temperatures can cause the blooms to drop off tomato plants. If the temperature regularly exceeds 90°F (32°C), the pollen inside the flower may become damaged, which can prevent the fruit from forming. Similarly, if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the pollen may not be able to properly develop or transfer from the male to female parts of the flower. To combat this problem, try to plant tomatoes in an area with moderate temperatures, and make sure to water them regularly during hot spells to help cool the plant down.

Lack of Pollination

Tomatoes are self-pollinating, meaning that they don't require a pollinator like bees to help them reproduce. However, they still require proper pollination from the transfer of pollen from the male to female parts of the flower. If there aren't enough pollinators around, or if the plants are grown indoors without any air currents, the pollen may not be transferred properly, resulting in dropped blooms. To increase the chances of successful pollination, try gently shaking the flowers early in the day to encourage the transfer of pollen. You can also use a small brush to transfer pollen from the male to female flower parts.

Lack of Nutrients

Tomatoes require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow and develop properly. Without enough of these nutrients, the plants may grow weakly, and the flowers may not produce fruit. To ensure your plants are getting enough nutrients, use a balanced fertilizer recommended for tomatoes. Avoid using too much nitrogen, however, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Watering Issues

Overwatering and underwatering can both cause problems for tomato plants. If plants receive too much water, the roots can become waterlogged, leading to poor nutrient uptake and dropped blooms. Conversely, if plants don't receive enough water, they may become wilted, which can lead to flower drop. To properly water your tomato plants, aim to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Water deeply, but not too frequently, and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

Disease

Tomato plants can be susceptible to a number of diseases, including verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and bacterial spot. These conditions can cause the blooms to fall off prematurely, among other symptoms. To prevent disease, avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year, and sanitize your gardening tools between uses. If your plants do become infected, be sure to remove any diseased plant material and dispose of it in the trash (not the compost).

Overall, there are several factors that can cause blooms to fall off tomato plants. By ensuring proper growing conditions and addressing any issues as they arise, you can increase your chances of a successful tomato harvest.