Do Tomato Plants Have Yellow Flowers?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in gardens all around the world. Most people associate tomatoes with red, ripe fruits that hang from a vine, but many are surprised to learn that tomato plants also produce flowers. While most tomato plants have white or yellow flowers, it is not uncommon to see varieties with orange or even pink blossoms. In this article, we will explore whether tomato plants have yellow flowers and why some may produce flowers of different colors.

Tomato Flower Characteristics

Tomato plants produce small, five-petal flowers that have a central point where the blossom attaches to the plant. These flowers are typically self-pollinating, which means that they do not require insects or wind to transfer pollen from the male to the female parts of the flower. Tomato flowers are usually found on the end of the branch and in clusters of two to six. They will bloom for several weeks before shedding and producing fruit.

Colors of Tomato Flowers

As mentioned earlier, most tomato plants have white or yellow flowers, but it is not unusual to see a variety with different colored blossoms. Some may wonder whether the flower color has any impact on the fruit that the plant produces, but it does not. The fruit color is determined by the genetics of the plant, not the color of the flower. However, some gardeners may choose a specific variety because of the color of the blossom. For example, the "Yellow Pear" tomato variety produces small, pear-shaped fruits and has yellow flowers that add a decorative element to the garden.

Why Do Some Tomato Plants Have Yellow Flowers?

The color of a tomato plant's flower is determined by the combination of pigments it contains. Plants that have yellow flowers likely have a higher concentration of xanthophylls, which are yellow pigments that are present in many plant tissues. While white flowers are the most common color for tomato plants, yellow flowers are sometimes seen because of crossbreeding. For example, if a yellow-flowered tomato plant is bred with a red-flowered tomato plant, the resulting plant may have pink flowers.

Closing Thoughts

While most tomato plants have white flowers, it is not uncommon to see yellow-flowered varieties. The color of the flower has no impact on the color of the tomato fruit that is produced. Many gardeners choose a tomato plant variety based on its flower color, as it can add a decorative element to the garden. Regardless of flower color, all tomato plants require similar growing conditions and care to produce healthy fruit.