04 May 2024 , 06:00
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Nothing is more rewarding than a thriving tomato plant that’s bursting with colour, but this achievement can feel short-lived when the tangy fruits start to split.
Changes in water availability can cause tomatoes to crack or split, which strikes when the fruits expand faster than their skins can stretch. Heavy rainfall following periods of relatively dry weather is the most common culprit of the condition, reports Southern Living.
It is also caused by extreme temperature differences between night and day, over-enthusiastic pinching of the plant’s leaves, overwatering, and dry soil. Green-thumbed growers often identify the issue around late summer, but gardening expert Jamie Walton suggests bringing tomatoes in sooner.
Taking to TikTok, under the username @nettlesandpetals, Jamie said: "Did you know you don’t need to leave tomatoes on the plant for them to ripen?" He continued: "Once the colour change in the fruit becomes visible, this indicates that they’re producing ethylene which is the ripening agent.
"It also means that they’re passed the breaker stage so they’ve stopped receiving any nutrients from the plant. So, if you harvest the tomatoes at this stage and continue to ripen them off the plant there will be no loss in flavour."
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The expert explained that acting earlier reduces the risk of the fruit splitting or getting blossom end rot, which is often caused by inconsistent watering. Dark blotches located on the ends of tomatoes are known as blossom end rot, which is caused by lack of calcium in the fruits, explains the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Plants that are grown with limited root space, such as in pots or growing bags, have the highest risk of irregular water supply leading to calcium deficiency in the fruits, adds the RHS. Those planted in border soil, either outdoors or in the greenhouse, are less likely to be affected. "You’re essentially hedging your bets, but you can’t lose," concluded Jamie.
Impressed followers rushed to the comments section to share their response to the helpful video, as one user penned: "Just waiting for it to stop raining then I am out with a bowl. Really useful tip as all mine are splitting."
Another shared: "Some of mine split last year when my watering was interrupted by very heavy rainfall," to which another user replied: "Have the same thing right now. Was just the first few, the rest are still perfectly green. Will harvest them this way now."
A fourth asked: "Can you give any advice on tomato plants that are just producing leaves and no tomatoes?" Another helpful follower responded with: "Could be due to an excess of nitrogen? Maybe boost your potassium and phosphorus?"