Growing a vegetable garden, tomatoes are among the most popular. They don’t require much care and can be easily grown from seed. But there are times when some people may notice that their tomato plants are growing too tall.
I’ve experienced this for myself, and there are also chances that you’re going through the same thing. What does this mean, and what should you do?
3 Possible Reasons Why Your Tomato Plants are Growing Too Tall
Seeing your tomato plants grow taller than usual can be alarming. But before you start to panic, it’s important to understand that there are a few reasons why this may be happening. Once you know the cause, it’ll be easier to take the necessary steps to fix the problem.
Here are three reasons why your tomato plants may be growing too tall:
The Plant is Reaching for Sunlight
Normally, tomato plants are thick and strong, with a robust stem that’s able to support the weight of the plant and fruit. But if the plant is reaching for sunlight, the stem will become thinner and weaker. When your plant starts to get spindly, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough sunlight.
Why does this happen? The plant itself is trying to stretch out and get as much sunlight as possible. This is a survival instinct since the plant needs sunlight to produce food (in the form of energy).
It’s either the area doesn’t receive enough sunlight, or there are taller plants around that are blocking the sun. If it’s the latter, you can simply move your tomato plant to a spot where it’ll receive more sunlight. But if the problem is a lack of sunlight, you may need to supplement with artificial light sources.
Too Much Nitrogen in the Soil (Or Overfertilization)
You might think, isn’t it a good thing that my tomato plants are growing taller? After all, it means they’re getting the nutrients they need, right? While it’s true that plants need nutrients to grow, when tomatoes get too tall, it’s usually a sign that they’re getting too much nitrogen.
This is because nitrogen encourages leaf growth. In exchange, it inhibits the development of fruit. So, if you notice that your tomato plants have a lot of leaves but not much fruit, it’s likely because there’s too much nitrogen in the soil (or you’re overfertilizing).
While the lack of fruits may not always necessarily mean that the plant is getting too much nitrogen, it’s still a good idea to check.
Indeterminate Variety
Sometimes, tomatoes that are too tall don’t necessarily mean they’re not getting enough sunlight or they’re getting too much fertilizer. Instead, it could be an indeterminate variety. This variety is often taller and is often grown because they have a longer window for harvest. Early Girl, Big Beef, Golden Sweet, Cherokee Purple, and Juliet are some examples of indeterminate varieties.
How to Keep Your Tomato Plants Under Control
A good understanding of the reasons why your tomato plants are growing too tall will help you better address the problem. But if you’re still not sure, here are some tips that may be helpful:
Use an Arbor for Indeterminate Varieties
Since these varieties are naturally tall, you can use an arbor and let your tomato plants crawl up on one side and fall down on the other, forming an inverted U shape. Aside from adding that aesthetic appeal, doing so makes it easier for you to harvest the fruit, especially those that are on the higher side of the plant.
Stake the Plant
If you’re growing determinate varieties, it’s a good idea to stake the plant. This will help keep the plant from falling over and breaking. Controlling its growth and determining its shape will also be easier.
Prune the Plant
Pruning your tomato plants is also an effective way to keep them under control. This involves pinching off the tips of the main stems and lateral branches. This way, your plants won’t topple over once they’ve outgrown their support.
Provide Enough Sunlight
Determinate varieties aren’t supposed to grow spindly, but if they do, it’s often because they’re not getting enough sunlight. So, make sure to provide them with at least six hours of full sun every day.
Fertilize Regularly, But Don’t Overdo It
Tomatoes need nutrients to grow, but too much of it, particularly nitrogen, can inhibit the development of fruits. So, fertilize regularly, but don’t overdo it. Use a balanced fertilizer, and if possible, test your soil’s nutrient levels first before feeding.
Too Tall Tomato Plants: Final Thoughts
Tomato plants that are too tall can be a result of several things, such as lack of sunlight, too much nitrogen in the soil, or simply because it is an indeterminate variety. Understanding the cause allows you to better address the problem.
But in general, you can keep your tomato plants under control by using an arbor, staking the plant, or pruning it. Providing it with the right amount of nutrients and sunlight can also help your plant to grow thick and strong stems rather than thin and long ones.