What Causes Cracks in Tomatoes?
Cracks on tomatoes are not only unsightly, but they may be a symptom of an underlying problem with your plants. These cracks usually appear on tomatoes after an extended period of dry weather followed by a large amount of rainfall. Cracking cannot be treated once it occurs, but it can usually be prevented. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
Most cracks appear near the stem end of tomatoes. There are two types of cracks you may see. Some spread out from the stem. These usually appear only in very warm, humid weather. Others appear like rings around the fruit near the stem end. This type of crack generally shows up after a period of very dry weather when the plants receive more water. Cracks generally show the colorful inside portion of the fruit at first, then gradually grow a brown or yellow skin over them. This skin shows up in cracks that have been present for a while.
Causes
-
The most common cause of cracks in tomatoes is the overabundance of water following a period of drought. If the water supply is diminished, the skin of the tomato becomes thicker in order to protect the tomatoes after they are harvested. If the plants receive too much water after their skins become thick, they will crack. This happens because the skin is no longer flexible enough to expand to accommodate the additional water. Occasionally, cracks occur because of an imbalance of nutrients in the soil. If there is too much nitrogen and too little potassium in the soil, tomatoes can crack.
-
Prevention
-
To prevent cracks in tomatoes, keep tomatoes watered evenly all season. Cracking occurs when tomatoes dry out and are then watered too heavily. Apply quality organic mulch on the soil around each plant to prevent moisture levels from fluctuating and water often. Never over-water tomatoes, especially those that are still green.
Potential Dangers
-
Typically, it is safe to eat cracked tomatoes, but there are some problems that could render the tomatoes inedible. Look for black mold growing around the cracks or rotting spots. If you notice either of these conditions, discard the fruit. Add rotting tomatoes to your compost pile, but do not add moldy fruits. Tomatoes that do not exhibit mold or rotting are edible. Cut away cracked sections and eat the remaining fruit.
-
