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Maybe the fruit have been short of water in the early growing time and a large rain or excess amount of water given and they try to grow from the inside and the skin is not able to keep up with the massive growth.
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My brother in California wants to know why his oranges split while they ripen on the tree?
By Holly from Lancaster, WI
A lot of times it is because you over water the orange tree. (06/25/2010)
By Laura
Hardiness Zone: 11
Hav from Spain
This type of fruit splitting is thought to happen as a result of unstable environmental conditions that cause stress to the tree. This is usually due to sudden swings in temperature, rapid increases in moisture or notable changes in the relative humidity. If these sudden fluctuations happen during the initial stages of the fruit's development, the inner fruit and the outer rind of the orange may end up growing at slightly different rates or the orange may develop a weak rind. Either will eventually cause the fruit to split sometime down the road as the fruit continues to mature and grow in size.
Although there isn't a lot you can do to control the weather (e.g. preventing cool spring weather from suddenly turning hot), you can avoid extreme fluctuations in moisture levels by keeping the soil around your tree consistently watered. Citrus trees do not like to stand in water, so hopefully yours is growing in well-drained soil. Depending on the rainfall in your area, try to water it at least every other week during the growing season-more during extreme heat.
Good Luck!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Usually fruit that splits has too much water at too fast of a rate. This usually occurs later in the season. (09/09/2006)
By thrifty 50
What would make my grapes split before ripening. I regularly dust with sulfur and have not watered them, although we did have almost an inch of rain last week. (07/25/2007)
By Willie