Hello, tomato lovers! I’m a wise old tomato plant. My seeds have been preserved from season to season. My family has years of growing experience, sunshine and storms. Today I will share with you the secrets of our sometimes difficult, sometimes tender world.
Why do we sometimes wear the beauty of fruits marred by cracks and splits? It is a story about the elements, care and the dance between the two. Let’s delve into the saga of our skin, the battles we face, and how you can help us move forward.
What causes tomatoes to split or crack?
1. Excessive watering
Water is our lifeblood, but like anything, in excess, it can be a problem. When my fruits swell faster than my skin can stretch, we are cracked, vulnerable.
Here’s the trick: keep a consistent watering schedule, especially as we transition from flowers to fruit. Excessive watering, combined with a surprise shower, can overwhelm us, leading to concentric cracks that spoil our beauty.
The golden rule? Adjust watering to the rhythm of the rain and favor hoses for soaking or drip irrigation to keep our feet wet and our heads dry.
2. Excessive sun and dry weather
The sun, our magnificent source of energy, can sometimes be our harshest critic. At the peak of summer, its intense rays can cause stress and cracking of our skin.
We thrive in the 70° to 85° Fahrenheit range, where we can enjoy it without burning. If you can’t offer natural shade, consider a shade cloth to protect your tomatoes during the hottest hours. It is our best defense against the harsh criticism of the sun.
3. Rapid temperature changes
We are creatures of habit, we don’t like sudden changes. When the temperature fluctuates suddenly, it sends shock waves through our system, causing our skin to break.
Finding a place that protects us from these extremes can help. Remember, it’s not just the heat of the day that can stress us out; and the night cold can. A stable, protected environment is our refuge.
4. Mineral deficiencies in the tomato plant
- Just like you, we need a balanced diet to be strong and healthy.
- Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are our essential nutrients, but too much nitrogen can lead to accelerated growth, which leads to internal pressures that our skin cannot contain.
- Calcium is especially important; it helps us manage water and ensures a smooth ripening process.
- A balanced fertilizer, applied while we are blooming, can provide us with the nutrients we need without encouraging unwieldy growth.
5. Some tomato varieties are prone to cracking
Our genetics play a role in our resilience. Some of us, especially those bred for large fruit or high sugar content, are more susceptible to cracking.
When choosing seeds, consider our lineage; some varieties have skins that withstand the trials of growth and weather far better than others.
Types of tomato cracking
Two main types of cracks mar our beauty: radial and concentric.
- Radial cracks run down our sides, while concentric cracks form rings around our stems. When you see them, it’s a sign to reap us immediately.
- Inspect the damage; we are often still perfectly edible, especially if you remove the affected areas.
- For those of us who haven’t fully matureda paper bag can coax us into full sweetness, using the ethylene we naturally produce.
Other tips to prevent tomatoes from cracking
Choosing the right variety is just the beginning. Mulching helps maintain even soil moisture, reducing the risk of overwatering.
Red tomato mulch (a red plastic ground cover available at garden centers) while not helping with water retention or fertilization, does reflect wavelengths of light that encourage vigorous growth, potentially outweighing the risk of cracking.
How is blossom rot related to tomato splitting?
Flower rot is a sign of calcium deficiency, leading to a dark, rotting spot at the base.
Although it’s a different problem than cracking, the root causes—imbalances in water, nutrients, and environmental stress—overlap.
Making sure we get enough calcium, either through soil amendments or careful fertilization, can prevent both diseases.
Are cracked tomatoes suitable for consumption?
A crack does not make a ruined tomato. Although deep cracks can attract unwanted guests, many of us remain delicious beneath our flawed exteriors.
The key is a quick harvest and judicious pruning. However, watch out for wide cracks; they can contain bacteria and pests, which makes us less suitable for consumption.
Quick tips to prevent tomatoes from cracking or splitting
- Regular, deep watering beats erratic, shallow watering.
- Plant us to our hardy relatives, those blessed with elastic skin.
- And when it comes to feeding, remember: balance is key.
- A soil test can guide you in providing exactly what we need, no more, no less.
Additional tip
If drought has left me parched, resist the urge to drench me with recovery. A sudden flood can shock my systems as much as a prolonged thirst. Gradually reintroduce water, allowing me to drink deeply and constantly replenish my strength.
I hope that by sharing our experiences and insights, we will grow a garden of living, crack-free tomatoes together.
Remember that every tomato is a globe of potential; with care, patience and understanding, we can flourish under your watchful eye.