How to Hand Pollinate Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants in any garden. They are easy to grow and produce abundant fruit. However, sometimes they don't produce as much fruit as we'd like. One reason for this could be insufficient pollination. In this article, we'll discuss how to hand pollinate tomato plants to ensure maximum fruit production.

Why Hand Pollinate Tomatoes?

Most tomato plants are self-fertilizing, which means they don't need other plants or insects to carry pollen from one flower to another. However, sometimes the flowers close up before the pollen can be transferred, or the pollen is not viable. This results in less fruit production than expected. Hand pollination ensures that the pollen is transferred to the stigma and increases the chances of successful fertilization.

When to Hand Pollinate Tomatoes?

The best time to hand pollinate tomatoes is in the morning when the flowers are fully open. You can tell when a tomato flower is fully open because the yellow anther in the center is visible. If the anther is still covered by the petals, the flower is not ready for pollination.

How to Hand Pollinate Tomatoes?

There are two methods for hand pollinating tomatoes. The first method is to use a small paintbrush or cotton swab. Simply dip the brush or swab into the flower, making sure to collect some of the yellow pollen. Then, transfer the pollen to the stigma, which is the sticky part in the center of the flower. Gently brush or rub the pollen onto the stigma to ensure that it sticks.

The second method is to shake the plant gently. This method simulates the shaking that would occur when insects land on the flowers. You can either shake the entire plant or, if you're using a container, shake the container gently. This method is less precise than using a brush or swab, but it is still effective.

Which Tomatoes Benefit from Hand Pollination?

Most tomato plants will produce fruit without the need for hand pollination. However, some varieties are more prone to poor pollination than others. These include heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and paste tomatoes. If you notice that your tomatoes are not producing as much fruit as you'd like, especially if you're growing one of these varieties, hand pollination may help.

Conclusion

Hand pollination can be a helpful technique for increasing the fruit production of your tomato plants. Whether you use a paintbrush or cotton swab, or simply shake the plant gently, make sure to do it when the flowers are fully open. With the right technique, you can ensure that your tomatoes are producing as much fruit as possible.