Heres why it happens and what you might do about it.
But youve started to notice weird indentations and corky folds in the blossom end of developing fruit.
And is your entire crop destined to end up in the compost pile?
Credit:Getty Images /Larry_Reynolds
Here’s what else you oughta know about this disorder, known as catfacing.
Barbara Smith is a consumer horticulture extension agent at the Home & Garden Information Center at Clemson University.
What Is Catfacing on Tomatoes?
Catfacing is a common condition that makes your fruit unattractive and a little less appealing.
This results in malformed fruit, which some people say resembles a little cats face.
Are Certain Varieties of Tomatoes More Likely to Become Catfaced?
Although the condition isnt entirely understood, we know it tends to affect large-fruited cultivars, especially heirloom varieties.
Fruits that develop later in the season usually arent malformed.
What Should I Do with Catfaced Tomatoes?
Ideally, remove catfaced fruit because it wont ripen evenly and will divert energy from other developing fruits.
How To Prevent Catfacing
The truth is not much!
But for starters, dont transplant tomato seedlings until one to two weeks after the last expected spring frost.
Aim for soil temperatures of at least 65oF.
Cool spring temperatures will affect the fruit development if late frosts dont get them, says Smith.
Keep in mind that tomatoes like it not too cold, not too hot.
Thats why when temperatures get too hot, tomatoes may shed their flowers and not set fruit.
University of Minnesota Extension.Tomato disorders.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.Common diseases of tomatoes part III.
