Too Many Flowers on Tomato Plant: What to Fix?

People often worry about why they are getting too many flowers on their tomato plants.

So, what can happen if you get too many flowers on tomato plant?

The excessive number of flowers on tomato plants can lead to competition for resources and potential issues with pollination. Factors such as nutrition deficiencies, temperature stress, poor pollination, and improper fertilization can contribute to the abundance of flowers. Tomato plants have limited resources such as nutrients, water, and energy. When there are numerous flowers competing for these resources, each flower may not receive an adequate share. 

We’ve provided more information here about having too many flowers on tomato plants. 

Reasons for Too Many Flowers on Tomato?

The presence of too many flowers on tomato plants can be due to a number of factors.

• Blossom Drop: This happens in too-cold or too-hot air temperatures. Blossom drop occurs in springtime when the nighttime temperature falls below 55° Fahrenheit. Again in summer, when the daytime temperature goes above 90° Fahrenheit and the nighttime temperature is above 75° Fahrenheit. 
• Nutrition factors: A deficiency in essential nutrients can prompt tomato plants to produce more flowers. This is an attempt to enhance their chances of successful pollination and fruit production.
• Temperature: Tomato plants can experience stress when exposed to excessive and prolonged heat, particularly when temperatures rise above 80°F. When temperatures become too hot and humidity high, it can adversely affect their fruiting process. High heat and humidity can disrupt the plant’s hormonal balance and impede proper flower development.
• Poor pollination: Insufficient pollination can lead to an abundance of flowers on tomato plants. When the flowers are not adequately pollinated, they may not undergo the necessary process to develop into fruits.
• Stress: Tomato plants may produce an excessive number of flowers when experiencing stress. Stressors could include extreme temperatures, improper fertilization, or unfavorable environmental conditions.
• Improper Fertilization: Inadequate fertilization can lead to an overproduction of flowers on tomato plants. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer, in particular, can stimulate vegetative growth at the expense of flower formation.

Although having many flowers on tomato plants might seem unadvantageous. But it can sometimes result in a scarcity of nutrients for some flowers. Consequently, unnecessary blossoms may drop, as they are not required for fruit production. 

Effects of Too Many Flowers on A Tomato Plant

When a tomato plant produces too many blossoms, it can compete for water and nutrients. As a result, some of the blossoms may not receive an adequate supply of food and fail to survive. 

Blossom drop basically happens because of the high application of nitrogen. This can have a significant impact on the overall fruit production of a tomato plant. The reason for this is that the plant relies on the successful pollination of flowers to develop into fruits. 

If the flowers drop off before they have a chance to be pollinated, the plant will not produce fruits. However, too many blossoms may cause the plant to drop some to redirect resources to the remaining ones. 

These remaining flowers have a higher chance of successful pollination and fruit set. This natural thinning process helps the plant maintain a balance between fruit production and resource availability. 

But sometimes you can get under-sized and pointed tomatoes from these kinds of plants.

What to Do When Too Many Flowers on A Tomato Plant?

It is crucial to take specific actions when a tomato plant has an excessive number of flowers. This is to ensure the efficient allocation of resources. Here are some recommended steps:

• Enhance pollination: Insufficient pollination can lead to blossom drop. To increase pollination, gently shake the tomato plant to help distribute the pollen and facilitate successful fertilization. This is especially essential for humid locations.
• Adjust nitrogen levels: Excessive nitrogen fertilizer can stimulate vegetative growth instead of flower and fruit development. Your tomato plant may have numerous flowers but no fruit because of too much nitrogen in the soil. Consider reducing or flushing out the nitrogen by watering the plant thoroughly.
• Optimize sunlight exposure: Tomato plants require abundant sunlight for fruit production. Insufficient sunlight can result in poor fruit set and blossom drop. Ensure that the plant is positioned in a sunny location receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Maintain a safe temperature to prevent blossom drop. Use a shade cloth in the summertime to prevent too much heat from the afternoon sun. 
• Maintain proper watering and fertilization: Follow appropriate watering and fertilization practices to provide the plant with essential nutrients and adequate moisture for fruit development. Avoid overwatering or underwatering, as both conditions can contribute to blossom drop.

Try to apply a balanced NPK fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting. Switch to phosphorus and potassium-focused fertilizer (5-10-10) as the first fruits start to form.

Follow these steps to encourage fruit set and ensure that the tomato plant produces and develops fruit efficiently. Also, try to take great care of those plants which are growing in rocky soil.

How Many Blossoms Should Tomato Plants Have?

The number of flowers on tomato plants can vary depending on the specific variety and the overall health. It is not uncommon to find more than 12 blossoms on a single branch at a time. And each of these flowers has the potential for fertilization.

Tomato plants have a natural ability to regulate the distribution of nutrients within the plant. As a result, they will drop blossoms early on that have not been successfully fertilized. 

This process of natural blossom drop allows the plant to prioritize resources and energy toward the development of fruits.

Despite the fact that many blossoms are shed, this is a normal part of tomato plant reproduction. However, you can consider tomatoes and some other winter vegetables as perfect outdoor winter plants for pots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What Is The Best Fertilizer to Put on Tomatoes?

The best fertilizer to use for tomatoes is well-decomposed compost. Compost is a material that is dark in color, crumbly, and rich in nutrients. It not only provides essential nutrients to the soil but also improves its structure.

What Causes Tomatoes to Stop Growing?

Tomatoes stop growing for lack of water, either due to drought or improper care. It is essential to prevent tomato plants from wilting by ensuring that the soil is consistently moist. 

What Are Three Fertilizers for Tomatoes?

The three fertilizers for tomatoes are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements. Fertilizers typically consist of a blend of these three components. And the packaging will specify the percentage of each nutrient.

Conclusion

Now you know why you are getting too many flowers on tomato plants. 

Overall, having many flowers on tomato plants may initially seem promising. To manage excessive flower production, it is important to ensure favorable growing conditions.