i tried 12 years ago and no it doesnt work. now i use a big fan.

Per the FAQ here: "Hormone sprays, such as "Blossom Set", may prevent some blossom drop due to LOW temperatures. However, the resulting fruit are often misshapen. But studies prove that hormone sprays do not prevent blossom drop due to HIGH temperatures."

So in your zone, if deformed fruit are acceptable, it 'might' be of benefit. Otherwise it is a waste of money IMO.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom Drop FAQ

Funny, I JUST posted this info on another thread. I used it this year as we have had an unusually cold, wet spring and I was planted out early. Either a coincedence or it helped. Maybe thats why one of my BW Suddaths looks like a heart! LOL LInda

Different brands of Blossom Set have different hormones, the most used one is IAA ( indole acetic acid)

What they do it to induce what's called parthenocarpy which means that the ovules in the tomato ovary are fertilized not by pollen as is usual, but the homones allow for fruit set and maturation.

Since fruit set is abnormal the fruits have no to few seeds, can be misshapen and often mealy.

This product was actually developed to be used in the PNW where Springs are cold and so temps too cool for normal pollenization.

Dr. Jim Bagget at OSU has released several parthenocarpic varieties, perhaps the best one known is Oregon Spring, but there are others.

So as Dave noted from the FAQ, to be used where cool temps have prevented normal self pollenization and they do nothing to compensate for blossom drop due to high sustained heat, and/or high humidity where the frist situation destroys the pollen and the second clumps the pollen making it much less effective.

Hope that helps.

Carolyn

Great information everyone!

Caroly,

I'm in the extreme NE and we have that cold spring weather too. This year we were getting unseasonably warm temperatures early then the cold and rain set in again.

I'm guessing but I suspect my plants have been affected by the rain more than anything but since we're getting 90 plus temperatures right after the rain I don't think the product would be beneficial to me this season.

I'll keep it in mind for next year.

deb