Tomato Help Please, with pics

Chimera

Was quite confident pinching out my toms and they were doing well. Then one of them developed flowers and didn't appear to have a main stem.. I was sure I hadn't pinched it out as leave the top ones to be sure, so let it grow for a while, just looked now and there were two stems that looked like side shoots that should ahve been pinched, so chose one the looked the best and got rid of the others, was going to tie up when I saw at the top of the flowers the main stem IS growing, but has gone a bit thin? Just wanted to check this is ok, before I pinch out other massive side shoot

misskool

what variety of tomato is it?

Chimera

marmande I think

Chimera

The main stem, coming from flowers is one tied up on cane, just concerned how thin it got? doesn't look quite right?? maybe because I hadn't pinched out side shoots just below?

misskool

marmande is a semi-bush so the main stem will break off. you can choose one and let it grow.

I've just let mine ramble and pick off what I remember. But it's the first year I'm growing them so best wait for someone else to come along

Mojisola

I don't think the one you have tied up is the main stem. It looks like a fruit truss - they do sometimes grow a few leaves on the end. There is a strong shoot growing off at 45degrees from the post. I would tie that one in and let it grow as the main stem.

Chimera

Mojisola wrote: »

I don't think the one you have tied up is the main stem. It looks like a fruit truss - they do sometimes grow a few leaves on the end. There is a strong shoot growing off at 45degrees from the post. I would tie that one in and let it grow as the main stem.

Thanks, that makes sense, will do that - panic over.. !!

Zazen999

I'd leave it branch wise to see what it does. Sometimes they do peter out on what you think is the main stem and will grow better on a sideshoot - esp for semi-determinate types.

However you need to change your method of tying to the stake.

You need to cross the twine in between the tomato and the stake and then tie it in a knot. The reason being is that it will increase friction on the tie and hold the stem more vertical. Also, put the tie just under the truss of tomatoes and another just above, as when the tomatoes form they will start to dangle and having ties above and below will help to take the strain.

Chimera

Zazen999 wrote: »

I'd leave it branch wise to see what it does. Sometimes they do peter out on what you think is the main stem and will grow better on a sideshoot - esp for semi-determinate types.

However you need to change your method of tying to the stake.

You need to cross the twine in between the tomato and the stake and then tie it in a knot. The reason being is that it will increase friction on the tie and hold the stem more vertical. Also, put the tie just under the truss of tomatoes and another just above, as when the tomatoes form they will start to dangle and having ties above and below will help to take the strain.

Thanks for the advice, first year growing so I'm kind of winging it!

ukbill69

Id say its in to hot place and id move and see.