You cut only the anther cone, the male part, off. The female part, the pistil, is left to mature and become receptive.
First pic below is a flower that has opened and would be too late to use. The you can see the yellow cone surrounding the pistil. Inside the cone is the pistil and where the pollen is released. Because the male parts often completely surround the female parts out-crossing in tomatoes is generally low, i.e. they readily self pollinate.
Second pic is the stage I pick for crosses. Everything is removed except for the pistil, which is shown in the third pic. 1 Day later I collect pollen and then gently touch the stigma (the tip of the pistil) to the pool of pollen. Repeat a day later in case it wasnt receptive the first time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by meadowyck
newbie question alert here****
when you say "you trim the flowers just before they open" are you cutting the flower off of the plant?
thanks, as I find this thread very fascinating to follow and learn.
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