Tomatoes, with their vibrant colours and juicy flavours, are a cherished addition to practically every vegetable garden. Yet many gardeners know the frustration of having tomato plants laden with flowers but yielding no fruit.
When nature's pollinators are not around to do the job of pollination, it's time for humans to step in. In this guide we'll explore the art of hand-pollinating tomatoes and share two effective methods to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Do You Need to Hand Pollinate?
Tomatoes are remarkable in that they are naturally equipped for self-pollination. They are monoecious plants, meaning a single tomato plant has both male and female reproductive parts. Within each tomato flower, you'll find both the female stigma and the male stamen, making them what’s known botanically as ‘perfect’ or ‘complete’ flowers.
In an ideal scenario, the wind and bees take care of pollinating tomato flowers. Wind, through gentle quivers and breezes, dislodges pollen and carries it to the sticky stigma within the same flower. Some bees also play a part through what is known as buzz pollination.
While tomatoes have thrived for centuries with nature as their matchmaker, there are circumstances where hand pollination can be a game-changer. The most obvious is when growing in greenhouses or polytunnels, which are protected from wind and insects. Even in outdoor gardens, unfavourable weather conditions can prevent pollination. So, while not essential, hand-pollination can significantly enhance your tomato yields when conditions are less than ideal.
When to Hand Pollinate
Timing is crucial when it comes to hand-pollinating tomato flowers. Wait until flowers are fully open, then aim for a warm, sunny day with mild winds and low humidity. Repeat the pollination process every two to three days to catch new flowers as they open and are receptive to pollen.
Two Ways to Hand Pollinate Tomatoes
1. The Toothbrush Method
One effective way to hand-pollinate tomatoes is by using an electric toothbrush. Turn the toothbrush on and gently place the back of the toothbrush against the back of the flower, avoiding direct contact with the bristles. Don’t insert the toothbrush into the blossom itself, as this could damage the flower; you’re aiming to release pollen from the flower by shaking it.
Tip: If you are using a toothbrush from your bathroom, the head of the toothbrush can be removed to avoid contamination. However, we recommend using an old electric toothbrush that's no longer used.
Alternatively, you can give the tomato plant a gentle shake from the top. This will cause the flowers to release pollen, allowing it to fall and fertilise the female flower parts.
2. The Paintbrush Method
Another method for hand-pollinating tomatoes involves using a small paintbrush applied directly onto the blooms. Since tomatoes have perfect flowers, you don't need to transfer pollen from one flower to another. Instead, very gently insert the paintbrush into an open flower and move the tip around. Swirl the brush around the base of the petals and then onto the raised tip in the centre of the flower, known as the stigma.
How to Confirm Successful Pollination
After hand pollinating your tomato flowers it's crucial to monitor for signs of success. If pollination was effective, you will notice a green stem that starts to enlarge into a small green bulb at the flower's base. This bulbous growth is an ovary, which will develop into the fruit.
Conversely, if pollination has failed, you'll observe the flower's stem turning yellow and beginning to wither. There won't be any enlarging ovary at the base of the flower, indicating an unsuccessful pollination attempt.
Hand-pollinating tomatoes may require a bit of extra effort, but the reward of a bountiful tomato harvest makes it all worthwhile. So, whether you're growing tomatoes in an enclosed environment, facing unfavourable weather conditions or simply want to boost your yield, these hand-pollination methods can help ensure your tomato plants flourish and produce the delicious fruits you've been eagerly anticipating.
