TheNaturePlanet

Have you ever experienced the frustrating moment when your tomato plants have a lot of flower buds but they keep falling off? Don’t worry! Today, I’ll walk you through how to solve the flower drop problem and achieve "tomato freedom" with ease!

Causes of Flower Drop
Failed Pollination:
Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but indoors, without insects or wind to assist, the pollen doesn't naturally fall onto the stigma, resulting in failed pollination.

Nutrient Deficiency:
Insufficient phosphorus and potassium will directly affect flower bud development, causing the flowers to fall off before they even bloom.

Water Imbalance:
During the flowering and fruiting period, tomatoes need more water. Lack of water will cause the plant to "abandon" the flowers to preserve itself. On the other hand, overwatering during the seedling stage can lead to poor root development.

Solutions
Pollination Failure:

You can use an electric toothbrush to gently vibrate near the flower clusters for about 10 seconds to help distribute the pollen.

If growing outdoors, shake the support stand to simulate natural wind.

Alternatively, you can gently tap the flower clusters with your fingers.

Nutrient Deficiency:

Apply compound fertilizer along the edge of the pot to supplement nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Dilute potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000 ratio) and spray it on the leaves and around the roots once every 7 days.

Water Imbalance:

During the flowering and fruiting period, water thoroughly when the surface of the soil dries by about 1 cm.

During the seedling stage, wait until the pot feels light and the soil is completely dry before watering.

Tips to Keep in Mind
Best Time for Pollination:

Pollination is most successful between 9-11 AM when the flowers are fully open. Avoid pollinating on rainy days or during the evening as the humid environment can cause the pollen to clump together.

Fertilizer During Flowering:

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer (like urea) during the flowering period, as it will encourage excessive stem and leaf growth and suppress flower bud development.

When spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate, do it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from high temperatures.

Watering During Flowering and Fruiting:

Ensure you water until water drains out of the pot’s drainage holes.

Let tap water sit for 24 hours before use to allow chlorine to evaporate.

Common Problems
Q: What if flowers still drop after pollination?
A: Check if the temperature is too high (over 35°C) or too low (below 15°C). Extreme temperatures can affect pollen viability. Move the plant to an environment between 18-28°C.

Q: Why does flower drop get worse after watering?
A: This could be due to waterlogging and root suffocation! Check if the drainage holes in the pot are clogged. Use a bamboo stick to loosen the soil and increase aeration, and check the roots if necessary.

By following these steps, you can help your tomatoes thrive and enjoy a bountiful harvest!