The Best Way to Pollinate Tomato Plants

Cross-pollinate healthy tomato plants to produce seeds.

According to the Washington State University Extension, wind will sufficiently aid the pollination process in outdoor tomato plants. For tomato plants growing indoors -- in a greenhouse, for example -- some human intervention is necessary. With a few simple tools, you can successfully pollinate your tomato plants and control your crosses.

Things You'll Need

• Glass slides or petri dish
• Electric toothbrush
• Dissecting needle or small paintbrush
• 95 percent ethanol
• Colored twist ties

Instructions

1. Collect pollen in dry, sunny weather in the afternoon, when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a glass slide or petri dish under an open flower and gently shake the plant or use an electric toothbrush to vibrate it. The flower will release its pollen.

2. Using a dissecting needle or small paintbrush, gently place a generous amount of pollen on the flower stamen you want to cross with. If you're controlling your crosses, wipe ethanol on the needle or brush between applications.

3. Mark pollinated flowers by tying colored twist ties around their stems. If you wish, write the pollination dates on the ties. The flower ovary will enlarge within a few days, indicating a successful pollination.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, pollinate flowers the same day pollen is collected, then again after a day or two.

References

• Washington State University: Tomato Pollination
• Purdue Extension: Pollinating Tomatoes and Pumpkins by Hand
• UC Davis Extension: Guidelines for Emasculating and Pollinating Tomato Flowers