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Tomato Bloom Drop

At the first signs of your tomatoes blooming you are ready to compete with your gardening neighbors for the “first ripened tomato in the block”. Then without warning the stem of the bloom turns yellow and the flower drops off – never given a chance to develop a fruit.

Any one of 5 factors may be the case: high temperatures, inadequate pollination, too much nitrogen fertilizer, dry soil or inadequate light.

High Temperature: Daytime temperatures over 90 degrees F and nighttime temperatures that stay over 80 degrees F. will cause the flowers to fall because pollen becomes sterile at these high temperatures.

Inadequate Pollination: Each flower has both the male and female component (pollen and ovary). Bees and other insects are not required for pollination only a gentle breeze to dislodge the pollen, so it falls on the stigma of the ovary. If you don’t feel that the breezes are adequate gently shake or tap the plant for 30 seconds once in the morning and once in the evening.

Nitrogen Fertilizer: Nitrogen is needed to develop a strong plant with dark green leaves. However, if it is not balanced with phosphorus and potassium leaves will form at the expense of flowers and fruit. Make sure you use a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium such as a 10-10-10 or a 5-10-5 analysis.

Dry Soil: Avoid the slightest bit of wilting by watering at least once a week with 1 inch of water. Any stress can cause flowers to drop. In containers, tomato plants have to be watered at least twice a day, even while you are on vacation. So, get some help from your neighbors.

Sunlight: Tomatoes require at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. Move your garden location or prune surrounding trees to accomplish this goal.

For more information contact George McVey, Program Assistant, Horticulture and Union County Master Gardener Coordinator at 937.644.8117 or toll free for Union County Residents at 800.589.8584 or e-mail him at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu.