I have to disagree that fruit set is inhibited above 75degees. My experience
is that optimum fruit set is actually between 75 and 85 degrees.

Have fun

Jim

"The Cook" wrote in message
...
Katra wrote:

Is there a relationship???

I have 3 plants in 3 gallon pots that are well over 4 ft. tall now and I
got a few sets about a month ago. They started blooming about
mid-January when it first started warming up.

I have about 7 sets that are anywhere from 1" to 2" across and the
"Fourth Of July" variety vine has just finally thrown a BUNCH of new
sets this week. They are anywhere from BB size to nearly 1/2" already!
The other two vines are not nearly as prolific yet but are not blooming
as much as this one is either. I kept the tags to check to see which
ones produced best under these conditions.

They are three different varieties, but the other difference is that the
other two are on milk crates while the one going bazerk is on the
ground. It may have rooted into the ground thru the pot holes, but I've
not checked yet. I just suspect it.

The one that is doing so well is also on the West side of the greenhouse
and the other two are on the east side so don't get quite as much sun.

These were planted early last November in one of my new "cheapie" pop-up
greenhouses (8' x 8' x 7') and kept from freezing with a single 75 watt
lightbulb that ran at night.

They have some of the most lush foliage that I've ever seen on a tomato
plant. :-)

When I water these, should I avoid getting the leaves wet? I think all
the rain we had last summer is what blighted my poor plants I had
outside last summer.

I'm sure that daylight length affects bloom cycles (was hoping the light
at night would counter that and give me winter fruit but it was not to
be) so am wondering if overall temperature affects fruiting?

I'm still trying to figure out a way to get fruit in the winter with
greenhouse tomatoes, so might have to add a fixture for full spectrum
lighting and a timer, and maybe a heat source?

Might be too expensive in the long run, but it would be a fun
experiment. :-)

How long should protected vines like these live???

TIA!
Katra

Temperatures above 55°F for at least part of the night are required
for the first fruit set. Night temperatures above 75°F in the summer
months inhibit fruit set. Tomatoes are self pollinating, but do seem
to appreciated being lightly tapped to facilitate the process.

The book I have says that indeterminate tomato plants will continue to
grow and produce until killed by disease or frost. Who knows if you
keep them in the greenhouse. Most of my determinates have lasted as
long as the indeterminates. Don't know if they would have continued
to produce in a greenhouse. Give it a try.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral, 48 percent
indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)