Splitting tomatoes - Ask Extension
How does one prevent splits in the stem end of tomatoes. I have had this problem here with a number of varieties.
Knowledgebase
Splitting tomatoes #879427
Asked July 30, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
How does one prevent splits in the stem end of tomatoes. I have had this problem here with a number of varieties.
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Greg,
Are you referring to the end that attaches to the tomato or to the stem of the plant?
Sounds like your tomatoes may be heavy and that would cause the split. You can use netting to tie the tomato to the trellis. Sort of a hammock for the fruit.
If you think this is a disease, please send pictures.
Otherwise, a good, strong trellis would work and tie the tomato stems to it with lightweight string or plastic tape every 6-8 inches to give it support.
I am attaching a PDF with info on growing tomatoes.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/growingtomatoes0.pdf
Here is another link with pictures of split tomato vines. Is this what you are referring to? https://therustedgarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-repair-damaged-tomato-stems.html
If I am not correct defining the problem, please contact me again with more information. Thank you.
Are you referring to the end that attaches to the tomato or to the stem of the plant?
Sounds like your tomatoes may be heavy and that would cause the split. You can use netting to tie the tomato to the trellis. Sort of a hammock for the fruit.
If you think this is a disease, please send pictures.
Otherwise, a good, strong trellis would work and tie the tomato stems to it with lightweight string or plastic tape every 6-8 inches to give it support.
I am attaching a PDF with info on growing tomatoes.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/growingtomatoes0.pdf
Here is another link with pictures of split tomato vines. Is this what you are referring to? https://therustedgarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-repair-damaged-tomato-stems.html
If I am not correct defining the problem, please contact me again with more information. Thank you.
Thank you for your response.
The splitting is on the end attached to the stem. I grow the plants upright by tying them to a pole. I have grown them in this manner, with good success in Seattle, near Walla Walla, WA, and near Nashville, TN. I have been raising them here, in the same way for 16 or 17 years, and consistently have had a problem with cracks radiating from near the stem. This year, and last, I have been raising BigBeefs. Farther back there have been several varieties, including at least one that was supposed to be crack resistant, but still getting cracks.
I am attaching photos of the situation.
1. Showing a portion of the vine as attached to the pole.
2. and 3. Showing the cracks in the tomatoes still on the vine.
4. Cracks in a tomato that has been harvested.
Thank you for your assistance,
Greg White
Hi Greg,
Thanks for the pictures, I misunderstand what you meant . This is referred to as cracking and sometimes radial cracking. It occurs by very fast growth, excessive moisture and then dray periods, high temperatures and different day and night time temperatures. Could also be a fertilizer issue.
The inconsistent watering of the plants by rain or irrigation is the main issue. We usually have a lot of rainfall and that can swell the tomatoes too fast and cause the cracking you see.
So it is frustrating. The ideal method is to water consistently with the soil being moist but not soggy and don't let it dry out.
If you do not have them in raised beds (I cannot tell if they are in raised beds or not), that is one way to drain water off faster using soil that drains well.
And now with all the heat we have had, an organic mulch is helpful with drip or soaker hoses that water the soil not the plant, mulch on top of the hose. That holds the water in.
Measure the moisture with your finger in the soil to the second knuckle. If moist, do not water. If dry, water. Get to know when the soil has had enough water. With your experience you probably know that already.
A good organic fertilizer if you need it for good growth, however, aside from the cracking the plants and tomatoes look good. They are not diseased nor is this an insect issue.
I am attaching a link to an article on tomato issues for your review: https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/tomato-troubles-managing-common-problems-tomatoes/
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Thanks for the pictures, I misunderstand what you meant . This is referred to as cracking and sometimes radial cracking. It occurs by very fast growth, excessive moisture and then dray periods, high temperatures and different day and night time temperatures. Could also be a fertilizer issue.
The inconsistent watering of the plants by rain or irrigation is the main issue. We usually have a lot of rainfall and that can swell the tomatoes too fast and cause the cracking you see.
So it is frustrating. The ideal method is to water consistently with the soil being moist but not soggy and don't let it dry out.
If you do not have them in raised beds (I cannot tell if they are in raised beds or not), that is one way to drain water off faster using soil that drains well.
And now with all the heat we have had, an organic mulch is helpful with drip or soaker hoses that water the soil not the plant, mulch on top of the hose. That holds the water in.
Measure the moisture with your finger in the soil to the second knuckle. If moist, do not water. If dry, water. Get to know when the soil has had enough water. With your experience you probably know that already.
A good organic fertilizer if you need it for good growth, however, aside from the cracking the plants and tomatoes look good. They are not diseased nor is this an insect issue.
I am attaching a link to an article on tomato issues for your review: https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/tomato-troubles-managing-common-problems-tomatoes/
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Dear Sheryl,
Thank you for your quick response. I think that the drainage is likely the issue. My "garden' is a flower bed at the end of the house we rent, so a raised bed is not practical, and it is pretty hard to water the lawn without watering the tomatoes. So I will just keep cutting off the cracks and enjoying the rest.
Greg White
Hi Greg,
There are other ways to grow tomatoes - in pots or in grow bags. Some of the bags are 10 and 20 gallon and will hold a tomato plant. Also there are dwarf tomatoes on the market now. There is a Tomatofest coming up in Lebanon at the Lebanon Senior Center September 28 10-3pm. There will be dwarf varieties to try as well as all other kinds of tomatoes.
There should be over 50 varieties of tomatoes to taste plus vendors selling tomatoes and other products. A seed swap of tomato seeds and other veggies and at least one seed vendor to discuss varieties with that don't crack.
At this time they are also talking to a grower that is selecting varieties that don't crack. This is a free event open to the public. You will be able to taste all the varieties on the tables. I hope to see you there.
There are other ways to grow tomatoes - in pots or in grow bags. Some of the bags are 10 and 20 gallon and will hold a tomato plant. Also there are dwarf tomatoes on the market now. There is a Tomatofest coming up in Lebanon at the Lebanon Senior Center September 28 10-3pm. There will be dwarf varieties to try as well as all other kinds of tomatoes.
There should be over 50 varieties of tomatoes to taste plus vendors selling tomatoes and other products. A seed swap of tomato seeds and other veggies and at least one seed vendor to discuss varieties with that don't crack.
At this time they are also talking to a grower that is selecting varieties that don't crack. This is a free event open to the public. You will be able to taste all the varieties on the tables. I hope to see you there.
