[tomato] Tomato Fruit Set & Cold Weather
ChuckWyatt/Md/Z7 (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Wed, 21 Apr 1999 17:05:57 -0400
Hi Bill,
>> Have several questions.
First, is this accurate? Second, if yes, is there a minimum period of
time they need to below 50 before the blossoms are damaged, or is it
if it occurs for any period of time.<< The premis is usually accurate.
Change it to read "fairly accurate."
You probably didn't destroy the blossoms but there will not be fruit set
until there is a night that stays above 50 Deg all night. The blossoms
will cling for a few days and MAY still be pollinated if warmer weather
prevails. Mother Nature has her whims and won't always pay attention to
the "techie freaks" who try to set things in concrete. Remember, if the
first truss won't pollinate the second one may very well do so.
Do you have a kerosene heater or such to boost thngs along ? Once
pollination has occurred, the plants often will hold fruit down to the mid
thirties for short periods.
Stupice does have a bit more lattitude than most.
Good gardening,
Chuck Wyatt