The goal of every person involved in plant cultivation is to achieve the highest possible, high-quality yields for as long as possible. This requires proper knowledge, an understanding of plant cycles, and careful observation. The generative phase begins with flowering. During this time, large amounts of energy are used for the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds. In the case of greenhouse-grown plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, it is essential to maintain a good balance between this stage and the vegetative phase to achieve optimal crop production throughout the growing season. In today's post, we will take a closer look at all aspects related to the generative stage.
When does a plant enter the generative phase?
The generative phase of plant development naturally occurs at a certain point in the life cycle under the influence of age, season, and climatic conditions (especially light and temperature). However, it can also be triggered by harsh conditions and the stress associated with them. This happens due to the plant’s natural survival instinct. By producing as many seeds as possible, plants increase their chances of survival as a species in difficult conditions. From a certain perspective, this might seem beneficial to a grower—more seeds mean more fruits and, consequently, higher yields. However, this is only advantageous from a superficial point of view. In reality, in such cases, reproductive organs become the plant’s priority, leading to an insufficient energy supply to the leaves. As a result, the leaves become smaller. Due to their limited surface area, they are unable to produce enough sugars, which are essential for proper plant nutrition and development. This also negatively affects the yield itself, as the quality of the harvested crops declines.
How to recognize a plant in the generative phase?
A plant in the generative phase can be relatively easily recognized through regular observation. One of its main characteristics is a large number of fruits. However, this is not always a reliable indicator, as a high quantity of mature crops may reflect the plant’s condition from some time ago rather than its current state.
A much better way to identify the generative phase is by examining the plant’s structure, specifically the growth tip. A weak-looking tip and a thin upper stem indicate that the plant is directing a significant amount of energy toward fruit production. Another good indicator is the leaves, which tend to have a smaller surface area compared to those in the vegetative phase.
How to Utilize the Generative Phase and Why It Should Be Maintained in Balance?
It is important to note that understanding what the generative phase is and what triggers it allows for its effective utilization. For example, a young tomato grafted in spring and grown in peat inside a plastic greenhouse will naturally be highly vegetative. In such a case, strong generative interventions will be necessary to achieve balance and obtain abundant yields. In some situations, strategically inducing mild stress can force the plant to redirect resources toward reproductive organs, resulting in a higher fruit yield while maintaining overall balance in other physiological processes. However, caution is essential—excessive changes in conditions can have the opposite effect. Overly strong generative steering can cause plants to become small, weak, and more susceptible to damage, diseases, and stress. Maintaining a controlled balance between vegetative and generative growth is crucial to ensuring both productivity and plant health.
Modern Solutions for the Generative Phase
There are now modern solutions available on the market that support plants entering the generative phase. In greenhouse cultivation, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and ornamental flowers, proper lighting plays a crucial role. Lamps with a higher proportion of red light positively influence stem elongation and a slower growth of green tissue. They also enhance bud formation, flowering, and fruiting. Additionally, lighting systems that allow adjustable light intensity make it easier to tailor conditions to the specific needs of different crops and aid in flowering induction. These advanced lighting technologies enable growers to fine-tune plant development, ensuring optimal conditions for maximizing yield and quality.
The generative phase and its importance for crop productivity