When growing tomatoes (or any other vegetable), it’s normal to want to keep your harvest healthy. However, we all sometimes encounter problems when caring for them. Among them, seeing your beautiful ripe tomatoes split just before picking them is one of the most well-known and unpleasant situations. And why are my tomatoes splitting, in fact? Can cracks be prevented? Let’s discover together the answers to these questions and lots of other advice on the subject in the lines that follow.

Here’s Why Tomatoes Split

Why do tomatoes split? Here’s what experienced gardeners explain!

The problem of tomatoes bursting, it happens sometimes. In fact, it depends on the variety and the water. When it rains or when you water your tomatoes a little more copiously, the skin of the fruit cracks, this is normal.

This is a common problem that can be avoided

Some gardeners believe that this could be due to a very, very hot summer as well. Since tomatoes are plants that grow extremely fast in the middle of summer and when they are quite swollen and lack water, they shrivel up in an instant. So they explode because of the heat and dryness. And to counteract this problem, experienced gardeners advise maintaining a good level of humidity by watering the plants regularly. This way, you will prevent the tomatoes from suffering from the heat.

Tomatoes need to be watered regularly.

As for the varieties that are most vulnerable to bursting, they are the beefsteak and other large tomatoes. But, it can reach even the smallest subjects like cherry tomatoes, although it happens very rarely.

Large tomatoes are most vulnerable

Note that if this happens too frequently, it may indicate a seed problem. If this is the case, experts recommend changing varieties.

Gardening expert Roland Motte explains that fruits burst when the weather alternates between rain and sun. “Too much rain can cause the fruit to burst right down to the flesh. There is nothing to be done.”. However, you can still eat the burst tomatoes. What’s more, this alternating weather can also cause a calcium deficiency, called black bottom. Irregular water supplies and heavy rains for several days, as well as the skin of the fruit that is not elastic enough, cause the bursting.

Split tomatoes are good to eat

But, take into account that Gerbeaud specialists explain that “These cracks can promote the development of mold and disease. […] If the fruits crack when they are forming, the harvest is seriously compromised. On the other hand, if this happens at the end of the cycle, when they are already ripe, the consequences are not too serious and they remain edible.

If tomatoes split before ripening, it can lead to disease.

Personally, I had too many tomatoes splitting years ago, but since I installed a drip irrigation system, the problem has been solved. Of course, if there is a succession of rainy days, some tomatoes split, but it is much better this way.

There is a very simple solution: installing a drip irrigation system

Why Do Tomatoes Burst? Here’s The Main Reason

Why are my tomatoes splitting?

Usually, the main cause lies in incorrect watering or rather in fluctuations in the amount of water. For example, when tomatoes are grown in drought or insufficient watering conditions, a sudden heavy rain will boost the growth of the fruits. At the same time, after such a drastic change, it is usually the flesh that grows faster than the skin. This results in cracks on the skin of tomatoes.

It’s not a disease

To avoid any confusion, it is important to clarify: cracks are not a sign of disease. It is just a reaction of the fruit to changing conditions. The situation then only impacts stressed plants. There is no need to worry about neighboring plants because it is not a pest or disease.

This is not a disease, but a reaction of the stressed plant.

Different types of cracks

Cracks on tomatoes can appear in different forms. In general, there are two main types of cracks:

• vertical cracks – they extend from top to bottom;
• concentric cracks – these form on the top of the fruit (around the stem).

What are the dangers?

While splitting tomatoes is not dangerous to the rest of the plants in the garden, the situation can have negative consequences on the harvest of split tomatoes.

First of all, when a tomato splits, its delicate flesh is exposed to the elements. This makes it easy for pests to enter the fruit. In addition, cracks also promote rot. However, this is not always the case. Some cracks do not expose the flesh of the fruit. Therefore, you can let the tomato ripen on its vine, simply by keeping an eye on it from time to time.

Generally, it is best to remove cracked fruit from the vine

Can you eat split tomatoes?

Basically, when you see cracks on a tomato, the best solution is to harvest it immediately to prevent it from rotting. As a result, the fruit itself is edible and can be left to ripen (if it is still green). However, if you detect a sour and unpleasant smell, obviously you should throw it away (in the compost, if you have one).

If the tomatoes are not damaged (no unpleasant odor or severe damage), they can be eaten.

Preventing Tomatoes from Bursting

Unfortunately, once the cracks appear, there is nothing we can do about it. However, there are some preventive measures. Here they are.

Resistant varieties

If you want to reduce the risk of such a situation, then nothing is more suitable than opting for crack-resistant tomato varieties.

Opt for crack-resistant varieties

Correct watering

It is no secret that proper watering is a crucial factor in growing any plant. In the case of tomatoes, we are talking about a regular and deep supply. Generally, tomatoes need watering every two to three days during the warm months. Needless to say, it is best to test the soil moisture by sticking your index finger into the soil? Deep and regular watering will thus minimize the risk of cracks caused by the shock of excess water.

Mulch

Experienced gardeners are well aware of the benefits of mulch and take advantage of it without hesitation! Thus, a layer of organic mulch (straw, pine needles, bark, etc.), placed around the base of the plants, will help to maintain constant soil moisture (thus avoiding bursting). Mulch is generally used to slow down evaporation and thus prevent water fluctuations.

Pick the fruits before the rain

You follow the weather and you know there is a good chance of rain? Then, it is better to pick ripe (or almost ripe) fruits before the storm. After all, you already know many tricks for ripening tomatoes indoors, right?

Sources:

©thespruce

©bhg