Blossom Drop

• Flowers fall from the plant before setting fruit — often the whole flower including the stem
• No insects, disease spots, or other visible damage on the plant
• Happens in waves, often correlating with weather events
• More common on first flush of flowers in the season
• Plant otherwise looks healthy with good foliage

Blossom drop is a physiological response to environmental stress, not a disease. Tomatoes tend to drop flowers when night temperatures stay above 75°F or fall below 55°F, or when daytime temperatures exceed 95°F. Peppers drop flowers at similar thresholds. Low light, drought stress, nitrogen excess, and inconsistent watering can also trigger it. The plant is directing resources away from reproduction and toward survival.

1. 01Wait — blossom drop often self-corrects when temperatures moderate
2. 02Water consistently to avoid drought stress during flowering
3. 03Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during flowering, which can push vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting
4. 04Plant heat-tolerant varieties in hot climates — 'Solar Fire,' 'Heatmaster,' 'Solar Set' for tomatoes
5. 05Shade cloth (30%) can buffer temperature swings during heat events
6. 06Improve airflow and reduce crowding to prevent heat buildup in the canopy

If blossom drop is persistent through the whole season and weather doesn't explain it, an extension specialist can advise on whether herbicide drift (which causes very similar symptoms) or nutrient imbalances might be involved.

• Blossom Drop in Tomatoes— University of Minnesota Extension
• Why Tomatoes Drop Blossoms— Clemson Cooperative Extension