Tomato Problem

[SPECKulation]

Can anyone tell me what causes these cracks in my tomatoes and what (if anything) I can do about it?

[Profish00]

Too much water and heat, water standing in the garden? Watering during the heat of the day?

[BigTim]

http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/vegetables/veg.html


11. Q. What causes a tomato to crack? Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
A. Cracking is a physiological disorder caused by soil moisture fluctuations. When the tomato reaches the mature green stage and the water supply to the plant is reduced or cut off, the tomato will begin to ripen. At this time a cellophane-like wrapper around the outer surface of the tomato becomes thicker and more rigid to protect the tomato during and after harvest. If the water supply is restored after ripening begins, the plant will resume translocation of nutrients and moisture into the fruit. This will cause the fruit to enlarge; which in turn splits the wrapper around the fruit and results in cracking. The single best control for cracking is a constant and regular water supply. Apply a layer of organic mulch to the base of the plant. This serves as a buffer and prevents soil moisture fluctuation. Water plants thoroughly every week. This is especially important when the fruits are maturing. Some varieties are resistant to cracking, but their skin is tougher.

[MarkD]

I am going to have to taste them to give you a definitive answer. Send several dozen. MED

[SPECKulation]

Thanks. I guess it is a moisture fluctuation issue. I have kept my watering fairly consistent, but we had a huge amount of rain around early April, and nothing since.

The good news is, they still taste great.