From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Maine

I thought I would play around with a couple tomato plants this season using GA3. Has anyone here ever used it on tomatoes? If so I would be interested in hearing about how and when, at what rates and any observations or results you care to share. Thanks

4/30/2026 2:03:05 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

What is GA3? I'm assuming some sort of hormone or something.

4/30/2026 2:17:06 PM

Maine

Gibberellic acid, I actually first learned about it on here probably 15-20 years ago. I remember using it to help some really old pumpkin seeds germinate.

4/30/2026 2:30:05 PM

Maine

Here's what AI says about it

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a potent, naturally occurring plant hormone that regulates growth, acting as a signaling molecule to promote seed germination, stem elongation, and flowering. Widely used in agriculture, it increases crop yields and fruit size, often applied during cool conditions to stimulate growth. 

4/30/2026 2:32:45 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

Hope it works for you,I prefer natural ways of growing tomatoes, but maybe you can show us that it is very beneficial, keep us posted on progress and what you think of it.

4/30/2026 2:58:45 PM

Maine

Thanks I'm not necessarily looking for anything to work more curious to see what it may do as a hobbyist.

I figured I would try it on two plants in pots to have better control over application. It naturally occurs in plants but at higher levels it can do some interesting things to tomatoes that I've been reading about.

So far my observations are on two seedlings I've watered using it. They were the first to get their true leaves and visually appear ahead of all the others in growth.

[Last edit: 04/30/26 3:48:54 PM]

4/30/2026 3:37:37 PM

Grittyville, WA

I've not used it. But I believe hormones could give a boost. A lot of the natural things we do work because they stimulate or directly provide hormones to the plant.

If I may share my viewpoint, I've tried cytokinin spray but its unclear when and how it works (or doesnt work). I wouldn't mind doing lab research but I'm hesitant to swap my normal gardening efforts into something requiring a degree in biochemistry. But maybe I would if I had extra time, money, and brains.

4/30/2026 5:40:56 PM

San Diego, CA

A few seasons back i experimented with GA3 on late season plants with a foliar spray applied directly to the bud & surrounding area. It caused a very lanky elongated pedicel that couldn't support the resulting "meh" fruit. Test was a fail in my eyes. Never tried it as a drench though. Didn't want it to compromise the soil.

4/30/2026 9:34:40 PM