Why Do Tomatoes Crack and How to Prevent It
Why Do Tomatoes Crack?
Tomatoes crack due to various factors like overwatering, uneven moisture in the soil, and rapid growth caused by quick temperature changes.
This cracking can occur at any stage of growth, even when tomatoes are green or ripening.
However, split or cracked tomatoes can still be eaten as long as they are not showing signs of pests, diseases, or rot.
To prevent cracking, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, water deeply using drip irrigation or soaker hoses, keep plant leaves dry, use organic mulch or compost, pick tomatoes before heavy rains, plant in well-draining soil or raised beds, and use balanced nutrient levels.
Some tomato varieties are labeled as crack resistant, but this does not guarantee they won’t crack or split.
Key Points:
- Tomatoes crack due to factors like overwatering, uneven moisture, and rapid growth
- Cracking can happen at any stage of growth, even when tomatoes are green or ripening
- Split or cracked tomatoes can still be eaten unless they show signs of pests, diseases, or rot
- Prevent cracking by keeping soil consistently moist, watering deeply, keeping plant leaves dry, using organic mulch or compost, picking tomatoes before heavy rains, planting in well-draining soil or raised beds, and using balanced nutrient levels
- Some tomato varieties labeled as crack resistant may still crack or split
Did You Know?
1. Tomato cracking is caused by a sudden increase in water uptake, usually due to heavy rains or excessive irrigation.
2. Tomatoes have a natural defense mechanism to help prevent cracking. Special cells in the fruit’s skin expand to accommodate the extra water and release pressure, minimizing the risk of cracking.
3. The cracking pattern on a tomato can indicate the underlying cause. Horizontal cracks often occur when the fruit absorbs water faster than it can expand, while radial cracks can result from rapid growth or temperature fluctuations.
4. Scientists have bred tomato varieties specifically to minimize cracking. These cultivars are often called “crack-resistant tomatoes” and have traits that make them less prone to cracking under stressful conditions.
5. Tomato cracking is more common in certain regions due to climate and soil conditions. For example, areas with fluctuating temperatures and heavy rainfall are more likely to experience tomato cracking.
1) Causes Of Tomato Cracking: Overwatering And Rapid Growth
Tomatoes are a popular and versatile fruit in the culinary world. They are used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces. However, tomato growers often encounter one common problem: tomato cracking. This occurs when tomatoes split or crack, making them unsightly and sometimes inedible. The main causes of tomato cracking are overwatering and rapid growth.
When tomatoes are overwatered, the flesh inside the fruit grows faster than the skin can stretch. This puts pressure on the skin, causing it to burst and resulting in cracks or splits. Overwatering can occur when there is inconsistent moisture in the soil or after heavy rain following a period of dry weather. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated, to prevent this issue.
Rapid growth is another factor that leads to tomato cracking. Quick, extreme changes in temperature, such as hot days followed by cool nights, can cause the tomatoes to grow rapidly. When the growth outpaces the skin’s ability to stretch, cracks and splits occur. This is especially true at any stage of growth, whether the tomatoes are still green or in the process of ripening. To avoid this problem, it is important to provide a stable and moderate temperature environment for the tomatoes.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent tomato cracking.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated.
- Take care during periods of inconsistent moisture or heavy rain after dry weather.
- Provide a stable and moderate temperature environment to avoid rapid growth that leads to cracking.
Tomato cracking can be an unsightly and inedible problem for tomato growers.
2) Environmental Factors That Lead To Tomato Splitting
In addition to overwatering and rapid growth, there are other environmental factors that can contribute to tomato splitting. These include fluctuations in moisture levels and the presence of certain pests and diseases.
Inconsistent moisture in the soil can cause stress on the tomatoes, leading to cracks and splits. This can happen when the soil is allowed to dry out completely and is then followed by a heavy watering or rainfall. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the soil consistently moist, using techniques such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
Certain pests and diseases can also contribute to tomato splitting. Pests such as fruit flies and birds can damage the skin of the tomato, making it more susceptible to cracking. Additionally, diseases such as blossom end rot can weaken the skin of the fruit, making it more prone to splitting. It is important to monitor and control these pests and diseases to prevent tomato splitting.
3) How To Salvage Cracked Tomatoes
While cracked or split tomatoes may not be as visually appealing as their intact counterparts, they can still be salvaged and consumed. However, it is important to ensure that the tomatoes are still safe to eat.
Cracked or split tomatoes can be eaten as long as they do not have a sour smell, oozing liquid, or show signs of pests or diseases. Soft or mushy tomatoes may be starting to rot and should be avoided. If the tomatoes pass these tests, they can be harvested and brought indoors to ripen.
To salvage immature cracked or split tomatoes, it is best to pick them and allow them to ripen indoors. This can be done by placing the tomatoes in a paper bag and storing them at room temperature. The ethylene gas produced by the tomatoes will help them ripen. While these tomatoes may not have the same flavor as vine-ripened ones, they can still be used in cooked dishes or sauces.
- Cracked or split tomatoes can be eaten if they pass the safety tests
- Soft or mushy tomatoes should be avoided
- Immature cracked or split tomatoes can be salvaged and ripened indoors
- Store immature tomatoes in a paper bag at room temperature
- Use salvaged tomatoes in cooked dishes or sauces.
4) Tomato Varieties That Are Crack Resistant
In the quest to prevent tomato cracking, many gardeners turn to crack-resistant varieties. However, it is important to note that even with these varieties, cracking can still occur under certain conditions. Nevertheless, some tomato varieties are known for their crack resistance.
One such variety is ‘Baxter’s Early Bush’. This early-maturing, compact variety produces cherry tomatoes that are ready for harvest in about 70 to 72 days. Another crack-resistant option is ‘Marglobe’. This heirloom tomato requires staking and is resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt, as well as cracking. ‘Marglobe’ tomatoes mature in 70 to 80 days.
‘Heinz’ is another crack-resistant variety. This indeterminate tomato is relatively compact and low in acidity. Its fruits take at least 72 days to mature. ‘Mountain Spring’ is a determinate tomato variety that can be picked in 65 to 75 days. It has a mild taste and can weigh 8 to 10 ounces.
Another crack-resistant option is ‘Mountain Fresh’. This determinate variety can tolerate cool and wet growing conditions. It is resistant to Fusarium wilt, nematodes, Verticillium wilt, and cracking. The fruits of ‘Mountain Fresh’ mature in 75 to 80 days. Lastly, the ‘Daybreak’ tomato variety, which is ready 62 days from planting, has indeterminate vines.
- ‘Baxter’s Early Bush’: early-maturing, compact variety, ready in 70-72 days
- ‘Marglobe’: staking required, resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt, matures in 70-80 days
- ‘Heinz’: indeterminate, compact, low acidity, fruits mature in at least 72 days
- ‘Mountain Spring’: determinate, mild taste, weighs 8-10 ounces, ready in 65-75 days
- ‘Mountain Fresh’: determinate, tolerant of cool and wet growing conditions, resistant to Fusarium wilt, nematodes, Verticillium wilt, and cracking, matures in 75-80 days
- ‘Daybreak’: indeterminate, ready in 62 days from planting
5) Tips For Preventing Tomato Cracking
Preventing tomato cracking requires a combination of proper watering techniques, environmental control, and variety selection. Here are some tips to help prevent tomato cracking in your garden:
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Keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply using a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. This will prevent the soil from drying out completely and then becoming waterlogged when heavy rain occurs.
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Keep the leaves of tomato plants dry, as wet foliage can invite disease. Water the plants at the base rather than overhead to minimize moisture on the leaves.
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Use organic mulch or compost around tomatoes to help retain moisture in the soil and provide a more even and consistent moisture level.
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Harvest tomatoes before heavy rains to reduce the chances of cracking. Even if the tomatoes are still green, they can be picked and allowed to ripen indoors.
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Plant tomatoes in raised beds or containers with good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Ensure that the soil used is well draining and balanced in nutrients.
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Use fertilizers labeled for tomatoes or vegetables to provide the necessary nutrients without overloading the plants. Unbalanced nitrogen and potassium levels in the soil can contribute to cracking.
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Consider planting crack-resistant varieties. While they do not guarantee that tomatoes won’t crack or split, they are more resilient to cracking under certain conditions.
By following these tips, you can minimize the occurrence of tomato cracking and enjoy a bountiful harvest of intact and delicious tomatoes in your garden.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my tomatoes from splitting?
One way to prevent tomatoes from splitting is to ensure they receive the right amount of water. Watering tomato plants once a week with 1-2″ of water can help maintain consistent moisture levels, reducing the chances of splitting. Additionally, using mulch around the plants can further prevent cracking by retaining soil moisture and improving overall plant health. Another helpful tip is to regularly fertilize the tomatoes with organic Tomato-tone every other week during the growing season. This ensures they receive the necessary nutrients for strong, healthy growth, which can help prevent splitting.
What causes tomatoes to crack?
Tomatoes crack due to fluctuations in water availability, which lead to an imbalance between fruit expansion and skin elasticity. When there is a sudden change in water levels, such as a heavy rain after a dry period, the tomatoes rapidly absorb water and expand faster than their skin can stretch. This causes the skin to crack or split, resulting in unsightly blemishes on the fruit. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a consistent watering schedule to prevent tomatoes from cracking and ensure their optimal growth and appearance.
Is it safe to eat tomatoes that have split?
While a tomato that has split open can potentially attract unwanted pests and develop harmful substances inside, it is generally safe to eat the non-affected parts of the tomato. If you are planning to can tomatoes, it is advisable to skip the ones that have split. However, for immediate consumption, you can simply cut around the cracks and use the unaffected portions in various dishes such as salads, sandwiches, salsas, and sauces without concern.
What deficiency causes cracking in tomatoes?
Cracking in tomatoes can be caused by a deficiency in micronutrients such as potassium and calcium. These essential nutrients play a vital role in the structural integrity of the fruit. Insufficient levels of potassium and calcium leave the tomatoes more vulnerable to cracking, as they are unable to properly regulate water uptake and maintain cell wall strength. Therefore, ensuring an adequate supply of these nutrients is crucial for preventing cracking and promoting healthy tomato growth.