Few Tomato Related Questions

[sall2009]

I was just wondering if you guys could answer some questions for me.

1) My tomato plant has a branch with 5 or 6 flowers on it; there is nothing else on this branch. The main shoot of the plant carries on further up and there is a new branch with more flowers. Does that mean that’s the second fruit truss?
2) My tomato feed says to feed the plant once second fruit truss has developed. The second lot of flowers are very small yet, just about dots of few mm? Should I start feeding the plant with the feed?
3) One of my tomato plants has started curling up right at the top. So basically the top of the main stem is curling into a circle. Any ideas what is up with that plant? The plant is on a window sill and stays indoor. Does it need to be outdoors in the day?
4) Should I cut off side shoots on the plants? (New stems are coming out from above the leave branches)


Hope to get some suggestions to get the tomatoes going on the plants.

[Potstubsdustbins]

The stem which carry flowers (they will be your toms) is called a truss. I like to start feeding when the second truss as `set` i.e. it has got tiny toms on it. At your stage I find it a good idea to touch the support canes as I pass enough to gentle move the plant this helps with pollination.

Curling is not unusual a pic would help us to decide.

Side shoots know as armpits should be removed if its a cordon tomato but left on if its a bush variety.

Colin

[Sylvan]

Hi Sall.

1) That IS the 2nd truss.

2) I've always been told to feed once the first truss sets fruit. Perhaps the 2nd truss's flowers open at about the same time as the first truss sets fruit. I'm not sure, but someone that does know will come along eventually

3) I'll leave that one for the experts as well - but unless it's a very big, south facing window you probably do need to start putting it outside during the day.

4) It depends on the variety you're growing. Cordon varieties ("Indeterminate") need the sideshoots removed. Bush varieties ("Determinate") don't.
Do you know the name of the variety you're growing?

[sall2009]

2 are money maker and 2 cherry. But I don't know which 2 are which . I mixed them up.

[Potstubsdustbins]

The Money Maker are cordon toms, do you know the variety of the cherry toms as some are bush and some cordon.

Colin

[JamesM]

Always good to have a look at threads you don't think are relevant- I wasn't aware you were supposed to leave the sideshoots on bush toms as i'm growing them for the first time this year. cheers!

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have never grown Money Maker but a friend informs me they have dark foliage if that helps.

Colin