Cracked Tomatoes

Could someone please tell me why my tomatoes are cracking?

Thank you.

Maria from Sterling Heights, MI

Answers:

Cracked Tomatoes

This happens after a dry spell and then you either water a lot or it rains quite a bit. They grow too fast for their skin, literally. (08/24/2007)

By Barb

Cracked Tomatoes

Tomato plants when growing the fruit are particular boogers. These are stress cracks.
These cracked because of one of several reasons.
Cracks usually occur after the fruit has reached its full size and is in its ripening stage. Extreme high temperatures for a number of days while ripening can cause this. Another reason might be because they need to be kept at the same moisture level for the time they are bearing the fruit. They need watered everyday unless it rains. Also, never put water on the leaves in extreme heat (unless mother nature does it).

I learned this from a older lady who use to run a green house. Hope this helps.
A really good gardening book to own is Ortho's "Home Gardeners Problem Solvers Book". (08/24/2007)

By KittyFartz New Carlise, IN

Cracked Tomatoes

Too hot of a temperature will do the same thing. (08/24/2007)

By badwater

Cracked Tomatoes

It can also be caused by too much fertilizer. (08/24/2007)

By kayrayriggs

Cracked Tomatoes

This article explains that allowing tomatoes to ripen on the vine can cause cracking. Hope it helps.

ksre.ksu.edu (08/24/2007)

By awanawr

Cracked Tomatoes

I concur. Tomatoes need adequate moisture, but it must be dispersed equally during the growing season. If a dry spell is followed by a wet one, the tomato grows too fast and the skin splits. Dry spells are caused by temp extremes, so the plants get unusually stressed. This is a really common problem, you're in good company. (08/27/2007)

By susan

Cracked Tomatoes

Wash them just before you eat, otherwise they will crack sitting on the counter, too. (08/28/2007)

By Chris

Cracked Tomatoes

Even fertilizer and watering across the whole growing season should eliminate this problem.

If there is excessive rain early on ignore it and continue with even watering. Don't water in the heat of the day. Don't overhead water, pay attention to your PH balance. (08/31/2007)

By Neil McMillan