Tomatoes splitting at the seams

[Imalittleteapot]

What causes tomato skin to break? One plant's fruit is splitting vertically from the stem down. Another has rings around the top of the tomatoes.

Plants are growing in pots. We have had an unusual amount of rain.

Despite the appearance, the tomatoes are yummy.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. inconsistant watering, usually... and the heavy rains probably didn't help

The most common cause of tomato fruit splitting is uneven watering of the plants. If the plants become a little dry and are then watered or irrigated heavily, the plants take up a large amount of water all at once. This is transported into the developing fruit and the fruit cells expand faster than the skin can stretch and it splits open.

Tomato plants, when carrying a heavy fruit load, need constant drip irrigation, not heavy watering to restore a dry soil. This is most common where the plants may have dried out during a warm, sunny day and are then watered heavily in the evening when conditions are cooler and water is taken up by the plants faster. Mulching the soil, installing drip irrigation, or using automated hydroponic techniques are all ways of preventing sudden changes in the moisture levels of the soil or other growing media. Also, preventing the plants from becoming too hot with the use of overhead shading also helps prevent splitting.

If your plants are in a hydroponic system, avoid sudden changes in the electrical conductivity (EC) level. An EC drop will also cause the plants to suck up large volumes of water and split the fruit.

http://www.growingedge.com/community/archive/read.php3?c=NS&q=1179

[Imalittleteapot]

3. Thanks for the info.

The plants are mulched in pots. I don't have a drip system and have watered them in the late afternoon. This plus the abundance of rain is making nasty looking tomatoes - but delicious.

[AlecBGreen]

5. one way to prevent

(if you dont have drip tape)

Take large, plastic bottles (1 gal or bigger), poke small holes in the sides, about 1/4 of the way up. Fill with water. It will slowly trickle out all day, providing a steady flow of water to the plants nearest it. This can help even out your watering and prevent the 'maters from splitting. Remember - a tomato plant is a thirsty girl!!

[Imalittleteapot]

6. Great idea.

I'll dig out some plastic bottles from the recycle bin tonight. Thanks!

[bearfan454]

2. I have that same problem here.

This is the rainiest year ever in the history of Central Tx. Almost all of mine have splits.

[Imalittleteapot]

4. Know what you mean.

I'm in North Central Texas and have never seen rain like this - ever.

[Kolesar]

7. Stab the soil around the plant with a trowel to kill the roots to prevent uptake after a heavy rain

This is done when the produce is about to be harvested and then a heavy rain falls. The plants otherwise would naturally take in all that water and the water ends up in the tomatoes and splits them. My impression is that professional farmers do this.

I have never done this. I read the advice in a magazine article or a book a few weeks ago. I cannot recall the citation. It makes sense even if it sounds like a distasteful thing to do to your plants. Perhaps the more experienced gardeners than I can comment on the idea.

[bearfan454]

8. I know what you mean.