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 Blossom end rot is a common problem on the first
set of fruit. The bottom of the tomato turns black. This is not
caused by a disease but is the result of a calcium deficiency in the
developing fruit. This deficiency is usually caused by fluctuations
in water uptake by the plant. Fluctuating soil moisture, damage to
the roots, excessive nitrogen fertilizer and high humidity can all
impact water and calcium uptake and result in blossom end rot.
The first set of fruit are most susceptible because young tomato
plants are growing rapidly and require more water and calcium. As
the plants mature, the problem is less common.
Avoid the problem by watering thoroughly to encourage deep roots.
Mulch the soil to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid
excessive fertilization and be mindful when weeding near the plants.
And consider growing more blossom end rot resistant tomatoes like
the All-America Selections winner Early Resilience.
Don’t pitch blossom end rot tomatoes in the trash. Just cut off and
compost the black portion and enjoy the rest.
Cracked fruit is another problem that worries gardeners. Fluctuating
temperatures, moisture, high humidity and improper fertilization
result in irregular development of the fruit and cracking.
These cracks often occur when heavy rains follow a dry spell. The
rapid change in soil moisture causes the fruit to expand faster than
the skin of the tomato. Vertical splits on the side of the tomato
are called radial cracks. These are the most serious and commonly
occur during hot and humid weather. Concentric cracking appears as
rings of cracks around the stem of the fruit.
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When cracks appear on green tomatoes the fruit
usually rots before it ripens. Since this is not caused by a
disease, the rotten fruit is safe to compost. Save affected fruit by
harvesting cracked tomatoes immediately and finish ripening them
inside. The flavor is not as good as tomatoes that ripened on the
vine during sunny weather, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the
harvest. If the tomatoes develop a sour smell or begin to ooze, toss
them in the compost pile.
Catfacing is another disorder you may discover when
harvesting your tomatoes. The blossom scar on the bottom of the
fruit becomes enlarged or perforated. It is not clear what causes
the problem, but it appears to be more common when cold temperatures
occur during flowering, there are extreme fluctuations in day and
night temperatures, excessive pruning has occurred or there’s been
an overapplication of nitrogen fertilizer. As long as the fruit is
otherwise undamaged, it is safe to eat.
When these problems occur make notes to correct your garden
maintenance to avoid these problems in the future.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to
Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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