From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Colorado

I saw your diary post. I was told if you touch your blossom too much you will go blind.

2/17/2022 6:37:20 PM

On a cliff in the desert

The seed is a 9.44 LaRue X Open from my dismal looking 9.44 LaRue plants. I found a tomato on the plant when I was cleaning up the patch last fall and saved seeds.

2/17/2022 8:03:04 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Maybe that is why I am already 1/2 blind. In my eyes defense, I am trying to work with the stem instead of the flower. It is an awesome blossom for a winter grow. But the stem is twisting, sending the blossom pointed towards the main vine, and pointed down towards the blossom stem. This leads to problems. I believe the flower would not open all at the same time. Development of the first part of the blossom formed is a few days earlier than the last part. The last part is tucked in tightly to the blossom stem. To completely pollinate this blossom, would require access to the complete blossom with my makeup brush. So first problem trying to solve...access to blossom for pollination.
The second problem, giving the tomato a space to grow. If it is pointed at the main, as it gets bigger, there is interference. I have cut off the main before, to give a tomato a place to go. I know that by losing that much plant, that the size of the tomato suffers.
I am not sure how to proceed. I can grab the stem, and gently twist it to a better direction. Unfortunately, it will spring back to the original direction as soon as I let go. With a pipe cleaner, I can hold it in the direction i want it to go. It doesn't lift it from curling back on the blossom stem, but one correction could be held. I only kept the cleaner on it for about 1/2 day. When I removed it to inspect, the blossom stem had the discoloration of bruising. One more day until weekend, and will have a chance to try to think of something else.
Risk to reward ratio on this blossom is supportive of breaking the "rules".

2/18/2022 1:47:54 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

Wile...plant one of your open is doing its best to become dismal 2. It was the strongest sprout and has a double on it right now. But, every leaf shows issues. I was thinking it was nutrient imbalance or deficiency. But everything I try to feed it does not help. I am not trimming it right now. Maybe by the time it gets tall, I will have sorted out the issues. Thanks again for the seeds.

2/18/2022 1:47:58 AM

Norwich, NY

Hey Scott, if you’re interested I have seeds from my 7.31 from 2021 if you want some. It was a late season mater, the online tomato entry was closed so it is UOW.

2/19/2022 9:31:44 PM

Colorado

would a rubber band or spandex work better than a pipe cleaner?

2/20/2022 3:32:47 AM

Colorado

sure I'll take seeds. what was it grown from?
The_scott_luers(at)yahoo(dot)com for my email

2/20/2022 3:35:18 AM

Norwich, NY

It was grown from the 5.37 McDonald

2/21/2022 8:27:01 PM