[bleach]

Im a first time poster and just a simple amateur!.. Have had all sorts of problems with the Tomatoes this year both outside and in the Greenhouse.My issue now is that the plants look reasonably healthy have masses of flowers but very few tomatoes.. what causes a plant to produce flowers but produce tomatoes? ( aplogies for the ignorance)

[DD.]

First of all welcome.

I think the question should read..

"what causes a plant to produce flowers but NOT produce tomatoes?"

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think what is lacking is patience!!.

Providing the flowers are not dropping off behind the embryonic fruit, you will have tomatoes in due course!

[richyrich7]

Hi Bleach welcome to the forum.

 

[bleach]

Thanks for the welcome - Im hearing the same sort of stories from 'seasoned' gardeners that there plants are taking a time to turn to fruit.. Of the 42 plants I have, only 1 has any tomatoes growing .. guess I am being impatient but last  year they all progressed at a similar pace - just seems strange that only one plant has decided to produce. The tumbling toms in teh baskets are definately in trouble as the flowers are shrivelling  and dropping off.

[freebo]

I have the same problem, lots of flowers but almost no fruit, will the fact that almost immediatly after flowering the weather turned much colder (and wetter) effect the fruiting? I've got plants in a greenhouse and some outside too.

Thanks,

Mike

[wellingtons]

... you can't get baby tomatoes from flowers unless they're pollinated.

Tomatoes do self pollinate to some degree, but your best bet are bees. Attract some bees in or, plant things they love near the tomatoes and your success rate will improve I promise.

[bleach]

Thanks for that - hadnt realised. The plants are in exactly the same place as they were last year and last year saw a bumper crop.

[GrannieAnnie]

I've been growing my toms in the polytunnel and greenhouses for 3 years, and have had no problems with pollination, and not aware of many bees around, but they do seem a bit slow this year, although many of my tomatoes are 2nd sowing as the first lot didn't do well.

The 2nd sowing was so good though, that I actually put my leftovers on Freecycle yesterday!  One man came today and picked up 26, he only just got his first greenhouse, so is really excited about growing about 8 different varieties already!!! lol

My beefsteaks are fruiting, even though the plants are only just over 2ft high!  perhaps I'll have mini beefsteaks? lol

[milkman]

If lack of patience is getting the better of you, how about getting a tickly paintbrush out and gentling tickling a few of the flowers - this will help to speed the production process along nicely  

[nicky]

This is my first time growing tomatoes I have tumbling toms looking very healthy but only one flower has opened, a few buds though. Is this good or bad do you think?

[Redwellies]

great things come to those who wait.  If in doubt give a little tickle as the milkmans suggests.  But ont the whole having abundant flowers is a good sign.  Shriveling is a different matter, unsure of advice for that one!!

[DD.]

Fallen flowers is not unusual in the early part of the season before the temperatures have stabilised at a reasonable level. This cool weather after the warmth is not helping.

[Sven The Swede]

This is my first time growing tomatoes I have tumbling toms looking very healthy but only one flower has opened, a few buds though. Is this good or bad do you think?

Dont worry you will get a good crop. I did the last 2 years. But this year my seeds did not germinate  :cry: are well that the way it goes