It is disappointing to grow a beautiful tomato only to have the fruit split as it ripens.
Learn why tomatoes split and what it’s possible for you to do to preserve your fruits.
Tomatoes often split after a big rain, just as you are ready to harvest.
Credit: Getty images
You’ve watched your tomato plants grow and blossom.
Nurtured the little green balls intoplump, juicy fruits.
Even the most seasoned gardeners have been devastated by a split tomato.
Rest assured, there is a simple solution.
Read on to learn why tomatoes split and how to prevent it from happening in your garden.
Why Do Tomatoes Split?
The most common cause of tomato splitting is heavy rain following periods of relatively dry weather.
Although natural rainfall events are typically the culprit, uneven irrigation can also result in splitting.
Can You Eat Tomatoes That Split?
Tomato splitting typically occurs in ripening fruit, though green tomatoes can be affected.
The split follows one of two patterns: radial cracking and concentric cracking.
With radial cracking, a vertical split opens along the side of the fruit.
This is the worst pop in of damage, as the crack exposes the fruit to disease.
Discard any tomatoes that have a sour smell or are rotting along the crack.
Concentric cracking occurs as a series of rings circling the stem end of the fruit.
These rings typically do not expose the flesh of the fruit, reducing the likelihood of disease.
Keep an eye on those fruits as they develop.
But just as important is the rate at which the plants receive water.
Avoid large fluctuations in soil moisture by providing consistent irrigation, especially during times of drought.
It is best to water deeply a few times a week rather than providing small amounts of water daily.
Pick Tomatoes Early
Watch the weather report during periods of drought or dry weather.
You canfinish ripening fruitson the counter, though they will not have as much flavor as vine-ripened tomatoes.
Avoid applying too much nitrogen, which can cause excess foliar growth at the expense of fruits.
What Types Of Tomatoes Are Crack-Resistant?
Careful irrigation practices can help you avoid problems no matter which tomato you grow.
Here are some of the mostcommon varietiesknown to be resistant to splitting:
