When to Picking Blooms from Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are undoubtedly one of the most popular vegetables grown in gardens worldwide. The juicy, succulent fruits make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and sauces. Picking the blooms from tomato plants is a critical aspect of growing tomato plants. It ensures that the plant develops better fruits that taste delicious. But when is the right time to pick the blooms, and how do you do it?

Picking Tomato Blooms: The Basics

The blooms on a tomato plant are the flowers that will eventually transform into fruit. Once you plant the tomato seedlings, the blooms will appear within a few weeks. But, in the early stages of growth, it is recommended that you remove the initial blooms. By doing so, you enable the plant to focus more on growth while building a strong root system. However, once the plant has reached six inches tall, it's time to start picking the blooms selectively.

Why Pick The Tomato Blooms?

On the tomato plant, the flowers will usually bloom for about two or three days, after which they will fall off. This process is essential for the plant to develop fruits. However, if the plant has too many blooms that it cannot support, the majority of the blooms will wither away without producing fruit, resulting in a lower yield. Therefore, it is essential to remove some of the blooms to enable efficient growth and better fruit development.

How to Pick Tomato Blooms: Four Tips

When it comes to picking tomato blooms, there are several tips that come in handy:

1. Be Selective

As mentioned earlier, removing some of the blooms helps the plant to develop better fruits. You don't need to pick all the blooms on a tomato plant. Instead, pick the ones that are not essential, such as the lower blooms. You can choose to leave the high blooms to enable them to turn into fruits, which ripen faster due to exposure to sunlight.

2. Use Your Hands

Some people prefer using pruning shears to pick tomato blooms, while others use their hands. Using your hands is the best method as it ensures that you don't damage the plant or cut any important stems accidentally. It also allows you to feel around the plant and pick out the blooms carefully.

3. Pick Early Morning or Late Evening

Tomato plants are more hydrated and firm during the early morning or late evening, making it the best time to pick the blooms. Picking the blooms at this time also ensures that you don't damage the blooms unintentionally.

4. Make Scissors or Blade Sterile

If you opt to use pruning shears, please ensure that they are clean and sterilized. This is because infected pruning shears can quickly spread diseases to the plant, which are hard to eradicate once they take root. Therefore, it's best to clean the blades with rubbing alcohol before and after use.

The Best Time to Pick Tomato Blooms

The best time to pick blooms from a tomato plant is within the first 30 to 40 days of planting. During this period, the plant will have developed a strong root system and several blooms. It is advisable to pick the lower blooms and leave the high blooms to ripen, as this will ensure that the plant yields more fruit.

Conclusion

Picking blooms from tomato plants is crucial to achieving the desired yield. Timing is essential when it comes to picking the blooms. Knowing when and how to pick blooms will ensure that your plant produces healthy, juicy fruits that are perfect for any recipe. Be vigilant, selective, and careful when picking the blooms, and your tomato plant will thrive!