Causes and Cures for Splits in Tomatos
From: "Gary Smotherman"
The tops of my tomatoes have large splits where the vine was attached. This develops as the fruit ripens. Any Ideas?
Thanks, Gary
Cracks on tomatoe fruits, radiating from the stem axis, are usually caused
by changes in watering practices, either on your part or by mother nature.
When the tomatoe plant has become accustomed to a certain quantity of water,
and then has a radical increase in the amount of water,a growth spurt will
occur. The fleshy tissue of the fruit will grow much more rapidly than the
skin, causing the skin to split. The fruit is OK, other than the corky texture
around the split. The splits will, however become more succeptible to viral
infections, which could lead to the loss of the fruit or possibly theplant.
When you grow your tomatoes, give them a very good, deep watering each time,
thereby accustomizing the plant to the extra water it may experience later
in the season. If this is an ongoing, yearly problem, you might want to check
out one of the newer crack resistant varieties of tomatoes, such as Park
seeds"Whopper".
I hope I've answered your question. If this doesn't seem to be the problem,
send me more specifics, and I'll dig a little deeper.