Are Tomatoes Self-Pollinating?

Self-Pollination and Hybrids

• Tomatoes are normally self-pollinating, meaning that the flower is pollinated by pollen from the same flower. Hybrid varieties are developed by manually cross-pollinating two genetically different tomato plants each year.

Pollination Process

• In most cases, tomatoes are pollinated with assistance from the wind. As the flowers are agitated by a gentle breeze, pollen is loosened and falls onto the stigma, pollinating the flower. Bumblebees are also effective pollinators for tomato plants. Problems occur when the weather is wet or very humid, the pollen becomes sticky and pollination does not occur.

Hand Pollination

• Hand pollination is necessary for tomatoes grown indoors or in a greenhouse where there is no wind. Shaking or vibrating the flowers for a few seconds effectively accomplishes pollination. Touching the stem with the back of an electric toothbrush does the job nicely. Repeat the procedure daily until fruit sets or the flower drops.

Heirloom Tomatoes

• Normally, tomatoes do not naturally cross-pollinate, which helps to protect the genetics of heirloom tomato varieties. Seeds harvested from heirloom varieties are genetically pure and produce true to variety.