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  • #1

    To all the early tomato growers

    A question.... how many true leaf stalks do you have below your first set of flowers ? Put another way... how many inches (feet) above the soil is your first set of flowers ?


    I ask because I have it at the back of my head that the first flowers should appear after three leaf stalks have been produced.

    When I sow early I find I get good, dark growth but the plants produce 7, 8 or maybe 10 leaf stalks before the first flowers arrive. This means the first truss is 3 or 4 feet above the ground and I end up with plants over the roof of the greenhouse before stopping them after the sixth truss.

    I also find later sown seeds produce their first flowers around the same time as the earlies.


    Does anyone else get this ?
    The proof of the growing is in the eating.
    Leave Rotten Fruit.
    Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasium - potash.
    Autant de têtes, autant d'avis!!!!!
    Il n'est si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle.
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  • #2
    It is usually after about 4/5 leaves the first truss develops, so it is usually at about 12-18 inches dependant on variety. If it is going a lot higher then the plant is probably not getting enough light, so may require some supplementary lighting if you are starting very early. Or make sure it is in the brightest spot you have but not right up to glass as the heat may scorch through it even very early in the season.
    We tend to do our first sowing on or around 20 December and it certainly does make a difference. The plants went into the final position on around 20 February and are now around 3' high with the first fruit just setting.
    If you want to start early look for varieties that produce early anyway as they can cope better with lower light levels.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Richard at GS View Post
      It is usually after about 4/5 leaves the first truss develops, so it is usually at about 12-18 inches dependant on variety. If it is going a lot higher then the plant is probably not getting enough light, so may require some supplementary lighting if you are starting very early. Or make sure it is in the brightest spot you have but not right up to glass as the heat may scorch through it even very early in the season.
      We tend to do our first sowing on or around 20 December and it certainly does make a difference. The plants went into the final position on around 20 February and are now around 3' high with the first fruit just setting.
      If you want to start early look for varieties that produce early anyway as they can cope better with lower light levels.
      I take it that your plants were in a heated place? I'm amazed that you have the 'first fruit just setting.'
      I sowed some on 27th Dec and they are still very small and thin, with a few true leaves - no sign at all of any flowering.

      I guess mine were not warm enough. Also, even though they were by a window, we've had a lot of overcast weather, probably they didn't get enough light.
      Last edited by maytreefrannie; 24-03-2009, 09:28 PM.
      My hopes are not always realized but I always hope (Ovid)

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      • #4
        the correct answer has nothing to do with height.
        tomato will start to flower after they have formed 13 leaves if conditions right.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by plainleaf View Post
          the correct answer has nothing to do with height.
          tomato will start to flower after they have formed 13 leaves if conditions right.
          That dreaded Fibonacci again?
          Warning: I have a dangerous tendency to act like I know what I'm talking about.

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