In the greenhouse and in the apartment, wind and hard-working insects find it difficult to reach tomato blossoms. In order for pollination to succeed, knowledgeable hobby gardeners use various tricks. We reveal what they are and how they work.

This is how the pollination of tomatoes works in closed rooms

Since tomatoes are mostly self-pollinating, the wind and insects take on this important task outdoors. Bumblebees bite into a flower and make it vibrate. Due to the vibration, the pollen buzzes around and fertilizes open flowers. Mother Nature's hands are tied behind glass, so home gardeners do the pollination themselves. These methods have proven themselves:

  • In the greenhouse and on the windowsill, vigorously shake tomato plants repeatedly
  • On individual tomatoes in the pot, use a soft brush to brush over the blossoms
  • Alternatively, use an electric toothbrush to vibrate the climbing aids
  • all methods are to be carried out on several days in a row

Pollination works perfectly as long as the relative humidity is between 50 and 80 percent. In addition, the pollen clumps together and is no longer released. If the value falls below 50 percent, the ability of the pollen to germinate is reduced. In addition, the temperature must not crack the 30-degree mark. Experienced hobby gardeners therefore invest in a hygrometer and a reliable thermometer.

Varietal propagation thanks to targeted pollination

As long as you cultivate the plants of a single tomato variety, pollination in the greenhouse and on the windowsill will be varietal. If, on the other hand, other breeds come into play or if wind and insects get to the tomato cultivation outdoors, the purity of the variety is no longer guaranteed. If you aim to harvest hand-grown tomato seeds for propagation, prevent unwanted cross-pollination with a simple trick.

Before the flowers open, loosely enclose either the entire plant or individual flower spikes with a close-meshed insect net. The petals must still be able to unfold underneath. Excess flowers are broken off. Suitable materials for an insect proof cover are tulle or gauze. A single tomato flower can also be protected from cross-pollination using a tea filter.

However, the most skilful pollination will not be successful if the tomato plant does not develop vital flowers. Careful care is therefore the foundation for the entire process. The water and nutrient supply must be in balance, as must the site conditions.

tips and tricks

The vast majority of tomato varieties are self-pollinating - but not all. Wild tomatoes, for example, are not included. Instead of struggling with lengthy strain descriptions, just take a look at the flower. If the stigma protrudes from the petals, it is one of the rare non-self-pollinating varieties. In this case, a second tomato plant is always required for pollination.

Category:

Vegetable garden