Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes - Ask Extension
I have a garden at my church where we grow vegetables for our food pantry. Some tomatoes have developed a large brown spot on the under side. I ask ...
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Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes #879204
Asked July 29, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
I have a garden at my church where we grow vegetables for our food pantry. Some tomatoes have developed a large brown spot on the under side. I ask Robert Cook and he thinks it is blossom end rot. Do I need to add a soil amendment or does the entire garden need a soil test? Tested four years ago and all ok. Need some guidance, please. And, thank you.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Blossom end rot is a very common physiological problem of calcium uptake on quickly growing plants which we see each season on tomatoes. It usually happens primarily on first fruits, but given how hot and dry this year has been it has been difficult to keep them well watered and we are seeing more of it.
We always suggest pulling those affected tomatoes as soon as you see them so energy is not wasted on them.
Here is our page that explains more on the disorder, which can affect other vegetables as well:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/blossom-end-rot-vegetables/
Often putting gypsum in the planting hole can help head off problems. The page will offer other strategies as well.
Are you seeing the issue on newer fruits?
You can have your soil tested again for next season but your calcium levels may be fine and problems could be related to how unusually hot and dry this year has been- which is stressing many of our plants.
Here is our Tomato page:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-tomatoes-home-garden/
and our Tomato problems page, which includes a link to soil testing:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-tomatoes/
Christine
We always suggest pulling those affected tomatoes as soon as you see them so energy is not wasted on them.
Here is our page that explains more on the disorder, which can affect other vegetables as well:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/blossom-end-rot-vegetables/
Often putting gypsum in the planting hole can help head off problems. The page will offer other strategies as well.
Are you seeing the issue on newer fruits?
You can have your soil tested again for next season but your calcium levels may be fine and problems could be related to how unusually hot and dry this year has been- which is stressing many of our plants.
Here is our Tomato page:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-tomatoes-home-garden/
and our Tomato problems page, which includes a link to soil testing:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-tomatoes/
Christine
Thank you. Lee T.
You're welcome.
