How to Ripen Tomatoes on Plant

Tomatoes are a favorite crop among vegetable gardeners, but sometimes the fruits are slow to ripen. If you're experiencing green tomatoes that just won't turn red, there are a few tips on how to ripen tomatoes on the plant.

1. Choose the Right Tomato Variety

The first step in ripening tomatoes on the plant is to choose the right variety. Some tomato cultivars are naturally earlier maturing than others, and some are slower to ripen. If you're in a region with a shorter growing season, choose early-maturing cultivars like 'Early Girl' or 'Stupice'. If you have a long growing season, then you can choose larger beefsteak varieties that will take longer to ripen but have a higher yield.

2. Prune and Trim the Plant

Another method to ripen tomatoes on the plant is to prune and trim the plant. Removing the excess leaves and side shoots can help the plant focus its energy on the fruit. This pruning method can also help improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, which are also important factors in ripening tomatoes.

3. Water and Fertilize the Plant Properly

While it's tempting to flood your tomato plant with water and fertilizer, overfeeding and overwatering can delay the ripening process. Make sure to water your tomato plants deeply and regularly, but avoid drowning the roots. Slow-release fertilizers can also help promote healthy growth and ripening.

4. Provide Adequate Sunshine

Tomatoes need plenty of sunshine to produce the sugars that make them ripe and delicious. Ensure that your tomato plants are getting at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If your garden location doesn't provide enough direct sunlight, consider using reflective materials like a white sheet or reflective mulch to bounce sunlight back onto the plants.

5. Use Ethylene Gas as a Ripening Agent

If your tomatoes are still stubbornly green, you can use ethylene gas as a ripening agent. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that can help speed up the ripening process. Simply place a ripe banana, apple or another ripening fruit in a loosely closed paper bag with the green tomatoes. The ethylene that is released by the ripening fruit will speed up the ripening of the tomatoes.

6. Harvest the Tomatoes and Finish Ripening Indoors

If you have tried all the above measures and your tomatoes still refuse to ripen on the plant, chances are that you might need to harvest them and bring them indoors. To ripen tomatoes indoors, follow the steps below:

Pick tomatoes before they are fully ripe but still have a little bit of green at the top of the fruit.

Place the tomatoes in a cool, dark location away from sunlight, such as a basement, garage or pantry.

Add a ripening agent by placing a ripe tomato or an apple in the container with the unripe tomatoes.

Check the ripeness of the tomatoes every few days by gently squeezing them. They should feel slightly soft and have a slight fragrance.

In conclusion, the key to ripening tomatoes on the plant is to provide the right conditions, nutrition, and attention to your tomato plants. With these tips, you can produce ripe, juicy tomatoes that will make your summer meals even more delicious.