tomato not producing - Ask Extension
I have a beefsteak tomato that am growing in a 5gal. pot. The plant is healthy and growng well . My problem is that on July 21st. I still do not h...
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tomato not producing #878209
Asked July 22, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT
I have a beefsteak tomato that am growing in a 5gal. pot. The plant is healthy and growng well . My problem is that on July 21st. I still do not have any blooms or fruit. What am I missing?
Otsego County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Growing tomatoes in pots has become very popular, and the plants do well. However, there are a few important things to consider.
First, did you purchase a seedling or did you start from seeds? What kind of soil did you use? When did you plant the seedling outside? What was the average temperature when the tomatoes were planted? How often do you fertilize it? Does it get 6-8 hours of sun a day?
There are reasons why the fruit can be delayed, but you did indicate that the plant looks healthy. That's a good sign. I'm not sure if your tomato is considered late because you are located in growing zone 5b, which means that your planting time is a little later than if you were farther south.
I have included an article from the University of New Hampshire Extension which gives great advice on growing tomatoes in pots. I think you will find it helpful.
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-best-way-grow-tomatoes-container
If your plant hasn't yet started to flower, I'm sure it will within a week or so. Fertilizer is important because potted tomatoes require more water, which drains the soil of nutrients. Tomato plants will continue to produce fruit until the first frost, usually in October.
I hope this helps but don't hesitate to contact me again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a good weekend.
Growing tomatoes in pots has become very popular, and the plants do well. However, there are a few important things to consider.
First, did you purchase a seedling or did you start from seeds? What kind of soil did you use? When did you plant the seedling outside? What was the average temperature when the tomatoes were planted? How often do you fertilize it? Does it get 6-8 hours of sun a day?
There are reasons why the fruit can be delayed, but you did indicate that the plant looks healthy. That's a good sign. I'm not sure if your tomato is considered late because you are located in growing zone 5b, which means that your planting time is a little later than if you were farther south.
I have included an article from the University of New Hampshire Extension which gives great advice on growing tomatoes in pots. I think you will find it helpful.
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-best-way-grow-tomatoes-container
If your plant hasn't yet started to flower, I'm sure it will within a week or so. Fertilizer is important because potted tomatoes require more water, which drains the soil of nutrients. Tomato plants will continue to produce fruit until the first frost, usually in October.
I hope this helps but don't hesitate to contact me again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a good weekend.
