Never remove this peduncle from the tomatoes! The harvest will be the most abundant! How to form a tomato stem
Why never remove the peduncle from the tomatoes?
The peduncle, commonly referred to as “queue”, is the small green stem at the tip of the tomatoes. Many people tend to remove it before storing the tomatoes, but it is best to leave it. Indeed, the peduncle is important because it allows the tomato to stay fresh longer. It acts as a natural barrier against bacteria and fungi that may alter tomato quality. Moreover, the peduncle is a real indicator of freshness: the greener and the cooler the tomato is.
How to form a tomato stem
Forming a tomato stem is a crucial step to ensure an abundant harvest and quality tomatoes. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose the right tomato variety: There are many varieties of tomatoes, some better suited to stem growth than others. It is recommended to choose an indeterminate tomato variety, which will produce longer and stronger stems.
- Plant tomato: Plant your tomato plant in a soil rich in nutrients and well drained, not burying the peduncle. Allow sufficient space between plants to allow the stem to develop freely.
- Stimulation of growth: To encourage stem growth, it is recommended to perform a regular size of unwanted leaves and gourmands (young lateral shoots). This will allow the plant to concentrate its energy on the growth of the main stem.
- Stem support: Use guardians or tomato cages to support vertical stem growth. Attach the stem as it grows to prevent it from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
- Watering and fertilization: Make sure to water your tomato plant regularly and bring it a balanced fertilization to promote stem growth and fruit development.
The advantages of a well formed tomato stem
Forming a tomato stem has many advantages, including:
- Better air circulation: A well formed stem allows better circulation of air around the plant, thus reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- More abundant harvest: By concentrating the plant’s energy on the growth of the main stem, you promote the production of more flowers and fruits, resulting in a more abundant harvest.
- Better quality fruits: Tomatoes from a well formed stem are generally of better quality: fleshier, sweeter and less prone to disease.
- Space saving: By cultivating your tomatoes in stem, you optimize space in your garden or on your balcony, allowing you to grow more plants in a small space.
By following these tips to never remove the peduncle from the tomatoes and to properly form a tomato stem, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of tasty and healthy tomatoes.