Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Blossom Drop & plants going to 'seed'

Weather extremes can cause blossom drop, most noticeable on tomato and pepper plants. Nights that are too cold, below 50 degrees and daytime temps over 90 degrees. One day of extremes won't likely result in this, but a couple days can do it. Why does this happen? When the plant is stressed like this, it drops the new blossoms to divert all the plant energy to ripen any existing fruits to complete is only purpose in life.....to produce seeds! When growing conditions improve, new blossoms will appear and you are back in business.

Plants that go to seed quickly, are experiencing the same issue. Usually noticed with leafy plants: spinach, lettuce, radish & cilantro to name a few. When temps get to hot for these 'cool weather' crops, again they fear the end is near and quickly send out there seeds. Works for the plant...not always for us!
Once lettuce and such goes 'to seed,' the flavor becomes bitter and not really edible. So keep up with the grazing!

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