How to Make Tomatoes Ripen on Plant

Tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. Nothing beats the taste of a sun-ripened tomato straight off the plant. Unfortunately, not all tomatoes ripen evenly, and sometimes you may be left with a crop of green tomatoes when the end of the growing season approaches. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to promote ripening on the plant.

Choose the Right Varieties

The first step in ensuring ripening on the plant is to choose the right tomato varieties. Some cultivars are bred for quick ripening, such as cherry tomatoes or Early Girl. These varieties mature within 55 to 65 days after planting. Indeterminate varieties, such as Beefsteak or Roma, take longer to ripen but continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. Choose the variety based on your needs and the expected length of your growing season.

Provide Adequate Watering and Fertilizing

Tomatoes require consistent and adequate watering for proper growth and fruiting. Too little water can lead to stunted growth and blossom end rot, while too much water can produce an abundance of foliage and less fruit. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy plant growth and fruit development. Proper moisture and fertilization are crucial to promoting ripening on the plant.

Prune and Remove Suckers

Pruning and removing suckers are essential in promoting ripening on the plant. Remove the bottom few leaves of the plant to improve air circulation and reduce the likelihood of disease. Pinch off suckers that grow between the main stem and side branches. Suckers are small shoots that compete for nutrients and reduce fruiting. Pruning and removing suckers direct plant’s energy towards fruit production, resulting in faster and more even ripening.

Use Row Covers and Mulching Techniques

Row covers and mulching methods can also be used to promote ripening on the plant. Using row covers or placing plastic around tomatoes can create a warmer environment, which promotes growth and ripening. Mulching techniques, such as straw or leaves, can help keep the moisture levels consistent and reduce fluctuations in soil temperature.

Expose Tomatoes to Sunlight

Exposure to the sun is the single most important factor in ripening tomatoes on the plant. If your tomato plant is shaded or obstructed from sunlight, it can delay or halt the ripening process. Ensure that your plants have adequate exposure to sunlight, at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Rotating the plant or trimming nearby vegetation can also help promote adequate sunlight exposure.

Pick and Ripen Tomatoes Indoors

If all else fails, you can pick your green tomatoes and ripen them indoors. This method works best for mature green tomatoes that have already reached their full size but are still unripe. Store them in a paper bag or cardboard box with a ripe banana, apple, or tomato. The fruit will release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Check them regularly and remove any fruits that start to rot.

In conclusion, ripening tomatoes on the plant can be achieved through consistent watering and fertilization, pruning and removing suckers, using row covers and mulching techniques, exposing tomatoes to sunlight, and picking and ripening tomatoes indoors as a last resort. With these methods, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest that’s ripe and delicious.