Do I Leave the Small Flowers in My Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. They are easy to cultivate, and their tomatoes taste much better than those purchased at stores. As plants grow, they produce small flowers, which then develop into fruit. But does leaving these flowers on tomato plants impact their growth and yield? Let's take a closer look at the role flowers play in tomato growth.

What Do Tomato Flowers Do?

Tomato flowers have an essential role to play in the plant's growth and development. The flowers are responsible for producing fruit. Once the flowers are pollinated, they begin to develop into small tomatoes. Once the tomatoes reach the right size, they ripen and can be harvested.

The Problem with Removing Flowers

One question often asked by gardeners is whether removing small flowers from a tomato plant can produce more fruit. The answer is no. When gardeners remove flowers, they decrease the number of potential tomatoes on a plant. A tomato plant produces flowers throughout the growing season, with each flower producing a tomato.

When flowers are removed, the plant devotes its energy to growing larger, but fewer tomatoes. So, while the remaining tomatoes may get more nutrients and grow slightly larger, the plant's overall yield is smaller than if the flowers were left alone.

The Exception to the Rule

There is one instance where removing flowers from a tomato plant may be beneficial. If a plant is struggling to grow, removing a few flowers may help the plant direct more energy to its roots and stem development, helping it grow stronger. But this should only be done sparingly to avoid impacting the plant's overall yield.

How to Increase Tomato Yield

There are various ways to increase tomato yield without removing flowers. Some tips include:

Proper watering: Tomatoes require regular and consistent watering for optimal yield.

Fertilizing: Feeding tomato plants with the right nutrients can help increase their yield.

Sunlight: Make sure your tomato plants are located in an area that gets plenty of sun, as sunlight helps the plants grow and produce fruit.

Pruning: Tomatoes can benefit from a quick pruning to remove any damaged or diseased branches, making room for healthier growth.

Conclusion

In most cases, leaving small flowers on tomato plants is beneficial to their growth and yield. While removing flowers may appear to produce larger fruit, the overall yield is reduced. Gardeners who want to increase tomato yield should focus on proper watering, fertilizing, sunlight, and pruning techniques instead of removing flowers. By doing so, they can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest throughout the growing season.