Tomatoes, one of the most versatile fruits, have a significant problem: splitting or cracking. Tomato growers face this common issue, which can be equally frustrating and disappointing after months of nurturing and care.

It isn’t uncommon for tomato growers to experience healthy, plump tomatoes developing large splits around the fruit skin. To help you deal with this extremely frustrating issue, we will discuss the reasons behind tomato splitting and cracking and provide the necessary tips on how to prevent it.

Tomato plant leaves curling is equally a disturbing issue and to know the prevention you can take a look at this detailed guide.

Why Are The Tomatoes Splitting And Cracking?

The critical reasons for cracking or spitting tomatoes are cited below:

1. Change In Moisture Level

Water fluctuation is the main reason tomatoes split on the vine or crack. The change in the moisture level of the soil initiates the splitting or cracking of tomatoes. Consistent periods of dryness followed by overwatering will make the tomato flesh expand, thereby causing it to crack.

2. Calcium Deficiency

Also, a lack of calcium in the soil encourages the tomatoes to split. Calcium plays a significant role in strengthening the cell walls in the fruit. A lack of calcium will make the tomato skin weaker and more prone to splitting when the fruit proliferates.

Dense, heavy, or poorly drained soil also contributes to splitting or cracking tomatoes, as it retains too much water, causing the tomato to take up a lot of water.

3. Over-Ripening

Excessive ripening occurs if tomatoes are left on the vine for too long, especially during the hot season. Overripened tomatoes are more prone to spitting. As the tomato ripens, the skin becomes softer and less elastic, thereby making it more susceptible to splitting. To avoid splitting on the vine, it is best to harvest overripe tomatoes before they reach the peak ripeness stage.

4. Excessive Sunlight Exposure

Too much exposure to heat also contributes to the cracking of tomatoes, specifically on the shoulders or the top, by causing sunscald. In this case, the exposed tomato fruit suffers damage from intense sunlight.

5. Variety Susceptibility

Variety susceptibility can be considered a significant factor in tomato cracking, as it is related to the inherent strength and elasticity of the tomato skin. Certain tomato varieties are more prone to cracking than others. Therefore, selecting a suitable variety plays an important role. The tomato varieties with thin, tight skin lack elasticity and are more prone to cracking.

To know why the tomatoes on your vine aren’t turning red, read through this guide.

Consequences Of Tomato Splitting

Tomato splitting comes with several consequences, which are cited below:

• Degraded Quality

Cracked or split tomatoes are visually less appealing and are less flavourful than unspotted ones.

• High Risk Of Disease

As the cracked or split tomatoes are exposed, they become more prone to diseases and pests and become an entry for pathogens and insects.

• Reduced Market Value

Cracked tomatoes have a lesser market value than fresh ones as they fail to meet the desired quality standards and are less desirable.

• Loss Of Yield

Since these tomatoes aren’t suitable for consumption, they should be removed from the vine to prevent further damage.

• High Labor Cost

The labor cost for handling cracked or split tomatoes is higher as they require more care and additional handling charges for removing the damaged areas.

• Storage Impact

Storing the cracked and split tomatoes requires special care and attention to prevent further damage or spoilage.

• Less Nutritional Value

The split tomatoes have less nutritional value as the exposed part is more susceptible to oxidation and degradation.

• Reduced Consumer Confidence

Split or cracked tomatoes affect sales as the quality is compromised, reducing market demand.

Types Of Tomato Splitting

Know about the various types of tomato-splitting below:

1. Minor Splits

Minor splits generally involve small or superficial cracks in the skins of tomatoes. In this case, the fleshy part is exposed slightly, and the tomatoes are safe to consume. We can easily remove the affected area before consuming the tomatoes.

2. Major Splits

Major splits generally consist of deep cracks, and here, the fleshy part that is exposed is large, which is indeed a matter of concern. It, therefore, increases the risk of spoilage and is an open invitation for pests and other diseases.

3. Radial Cracks

Radial Cracks are common and generally visible after heavy rainfall in ripe tomatoes. They typically occur at the top of the fruit and slowly descend. Radial Cracks are damaging as they expose the fleshy parts to pests and diseases, leaving the tomatoes to rot on the vine.

4. Concentric Cracks

Concentric cracks are mild and appear on the top of the fruit, forming cracks around the stem. These cracks are less likely to reveal the fruit inside, so they heal quickly.

Pests That Target Split Tomatoes

• Hornworms
• Aphids
• Flea Beetles

Diseases That Target Split Tomatoes

• Bacterial and Fungal Rot
• Mold growth

Best Practices To Harvest Tomatoes To Prevent Splitting

Following the methods below, you can prevent the tomatoes from splitting and ensure a healthy harvest.

1. Consistent Watering

Tomatoes require adequate and consistent Watering to avoid fluctuations in moisture levels. Deep Watering directly to the roots reduces the risk of overwatering and, therefore, helps prevent fluctuations in moisture levels. Inconsistent Watering is a primary culprit.

2. Mulching

Mulching helps regulate the temperature of the soil, which prevents tomato splitting. It also suppresses the growth of weeds near the plant that compete with the tomato plant for water. Mulching helps the tomato flesh and skin grow at a more balanced rate and, therefore, reduces the stress on the skin.

3. Selecting Crack-Resistant Varieties

The crack-resistant tomato varieties are ideal for your home garden, so ensure you choose one of those. Choosing the crack-resistant ones is a great way of minimizing the chances of your tomato splitting. The various tomato varieties have varied levels of resistance to splitting, which in turn will impact factors such as skin strength and growth patterns.

4. Providing Good Drainage

Excellent and proper drainage holes in containers or pots ensure the soil is free from water logging. Excessive moisture in the soil makes the soil soggy and waterlogged, causing the tomato plants to struggle to keep up with the expanding fruit. So, planting the tomatoes in raised beds is essential to ensure proper drainage.

5. Using Balanced Fertilizer

Using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy tomato growth and, in turn, help prevent the tomatoes from splitting.

6. Harvest Tomatoes Early

Harvesting tomatoes at the right moment is essential as it reduces the chance of splitting and safeguards the plant from fruit overload, which can be damaged by heavy rain or strong winds. Excessive ripening often results in splitting tomatoes and can also cause disappointment.

7. Water The Base

Watering the base of the tomato plant will avoid splashing water on the leaves, preventing soil-borne diseases such as blight and septoria leaf spots. So, knowing the primary and proper techniques for watering tomato plants is very important.

Split-Resistant Tomato Varieties

The split-resistant tomato varieties include:

• Big Beef

This indeterminate beefsteak tomato variety weighs around 10 to 12 ounces.

• Big Boy

Another indeterminate, meaty beefsteak tomato weighs up to one pound.

• Jet Star

This indeterminate hybrid variety weighs around 7 to 8 ounces and has a compact growth habit.

• Juliet

Juliet is a deep red color, shiny, indeterminate variety that weighs around 1.5 to 2 ounces.

• Mortgage Lifter

This indeterminate heirloom variety is pink and weighs around 1 to 2 pounds.

• Pruden’s Purple

This flattened pink-purple-colored fruit weighs over 1 pound and is another indeterminate heirloom tomato variety.

• Sun Gold

This is an orange orange-colored hybrid cherry tomato that has a sweet-tart flavor.

• Box Car Willie

Box Car Willie is an indeterminate heirloom variety that weighs up to 10 ounces.

• Celebrity

Another hybrid variety that is smooth, round, and bright red and weighs about 8 ounces.

Is It Advisable To Eat A Split Or Cracked Tomato?

Split tomatoes won’t heal by themselves, as splitting results from the stretching of tomato skin to keep up with the growth of the fruit.

However, the fruit can be enjoyed depending on the severity of the split.

If the split tomatoes don’t show any signs of pests and don’t smell sour, you can go ahead and eat them by giving them a closer look. But before that, take note of the size of the crack and remove the damaged part before you savor the fruit. Remember, a deeper crack will increase the risk of pests, fungi, or bacteria.

It is advisable to harvest your fruits quickly while you encounter the splits, even if they are still green in color, and allow them to ripen indoors.

The shallow or minor concentric cracks that generally develop around the stem are usually safe for eating and can be easily enjoyed if the cracked area is cut away.

Severely split tomatoes should be discarded or composted. If the cracked tomato is oozing or has a sour smell, it isn’t fit for consumption. Otherwise, it is compost-worthy.

The deeper cracks are highly likely to get attracted by the pests and develop rots. Removing the tomatoes from the vine as early as possible is best to use them by discarding the affected area.

Closure

Now that the splitting and cracking reasons for your tomatoes aren’t mysterious, keep your tomato plants healthy and happy with consistent water and shade, and stop your tomatoes from splitting so they can reward you with delicious and unblemished fruit.