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Unable to germinate in greenhouse??

Posted by shawnee (My Page) on
Sun, Jul 1, 07 at 13:15

We have had a cool wet spring/summer so far and have left the sides mostly low to down on our greenhouse. We have a bumper crop of Early Girl determinate tomatoes (only ones that can take that extra heat in a greenhouse) and barely ANY blooms at all. Those we have are shriveling and falling off dead.

I've read (we've only done this for 2 yrs) that cooler temps will thwart germination. The plants need air to spread pollen, and if damp and wet the pollen tends to clump. We are in shock. SURELY if plants are kept healthy they will bloom again? And if we use an air compressor when this cool/damp front misses, could we stir the blooms enough to help germination?

ANYBODY???? I have had tomatoe customers with tomatoes out of doors complaining that their plants are loosing blooms, too....thanx!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Unable to germinate in greenhouse??

So your plants have germinated, correct, but you are having pollination problems? I wasn't sure from your title. What is the average daily temp in the greenhouse? What is your growing medium and how often and with what do you feed them? Lastly, can I ask why they are in the greenhouse rather than outside? Are they hydroponics? You don't mention your zone or location so that info would be very helpful info.

ANYBODY???? I have had tomatoe customers with tomatoes out of doors complaining that their plants are loosing blooms, too....thanx!

Most definately! Blossom Drop is a problem we all share - inside or outside - and there are numerous discussions here that a search will pull up for you if you search "blossom drop".

But it is the heat that causes it for most of us as blooms won't set fruit if the temps are much above 85-90 degrees.

I have linked the FAQ on Blossom Drop below and it is well worth reading. The problem usually goes away once you ID the cause and reduce the temps or the weather (outside) moderates. Hope this helps. ;)

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom Drop


 
 

 

 


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