Stopping tomatoes growing taller

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Johnb, Jul 14, 2008.

  1. Johnb

    Johnb Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi all,
    My tomato plants have reached the top of my plastic growhouse.
    Can anyone tell me how I stop them growing any taller?

    Thanks
    J
     
  2. Ivory

    Ivory Gardener

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  3. pamsdish

    pamsdish Total Gardener

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    hi john
    when you look at the top of your tomato plant you will see the growing point ,remove this and it will grow no taller,how many trusses do you have ?
     
  4. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    I think I read somewhere its best to pinch out a couple of leaves above a flower truss (well, pinching out anywhere will stop it growing taller, of course, but might be worth avoiding sacrificing a truss unnecessarily)
     
  5. Johnb

    Johnb Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for that all.
    Pam, the number of trusses vary. From 3 to 5 on each plant.
     
  6. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Something that has 3 trusses now ought to be able to get to 5, and get them ripened, before the frosts come, I reckon. 5 is about normal unless you start Tomatoes early and with heat .
     
  7. misterroy

    misterroy Gardener

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    How many trusses should I expect from a cherry tomato plant?
     
  8. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Same. The trusses tend to be bigger (more fruits) but each fruit is smaller.

    My personal opinion is that "number of trusses" concept is flawed, and stopping the plant "one month before the first frost" is a better metaphor for Greenhouse Toms. (Not sure about outdoor Toms, I don't grow them, but perhaps that translates into 6-weeks before first frost??
     
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