Cracked Tomatoes

hewitt · July 11, 2011

I live in Raleigh, NC, and planted many different varieties of hreirloom tomatoes. I have an issue with hairline cracks, in the middle of the tomatoes. I do have the standard cracking by the stem which is common, but why do the tomatoes have small cracks in the center or the tomatoes? It seems as if they are bursting open, and then create this cracking???

We have had very little rain here, very dry and in the 90's daily, I do water every 3 days or so, only thing I can think of is the water, however I am new at this and seeking any ideas you have, Thanks.....

ContainerTed · July 11, 2011

Irregular or widely varying amounts of rain/watering are the primary cause you're looking for. The tomato will simply take on more water than the skin can hold. The skin cannot expand as fast as the insides.

It's usually present after a long/hot dry spell followed by rain or heavy watering.

arivaraci · July 11, 2011

Hi there! I'm in Raleigh as well, and after a long dry spell my garden got drenched 4 out of the last 7 days. We have had widely scattered but drenching showers this last week. Did you guys see any of that?

hewitt · July 11, 2011

No Rain Yet for weeks, It has been in the area, and all around Raleigh, but not near me, I am off 401 in north Raleigh

Elliot · July 11, 2011

One question I have along these lines is this: My cherry and grape tomatoes never crack in the beginning of the season. In August and September they almost all crack unless I pick them, not yet ripe. why?

July 11, 2011	#1
hewitt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: raleigh Posts: 5	Cracked Tomatoes I live in Raleigh, NC, and planted many different varieties of hreirloom tomatoes. I have an issue with hairline cracks, in the middle of the tomatoes. I do have the standard cracking by the stem which is common, but why do the tomatoes have small cracks in the center or the tomatoes? It seems as if they are bursting open, and then create this cracking??? We have had very little rain here, very dry and in the 90's daily, I do water every 3 days or so, only thing I can think of is the water, however I am new at this and seeking any ideas you have, Thanks.....

July 11, 2011	#2
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	Irregular or widely varying amounts of rain/watering are the primary cause you're looking for. The tomato will simply take on more water than the skin can hold. The skin cannot expand as fast as the insides. It's usually present after a long/hot dry spell followed by rain or heavy watering. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

July 11, 2011	#3
arivaraci Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 199	Hi there! I'm in Raleigh as well, and after a long dry spell my garden got drenched 4 out of the last 7 days. We have had widely scattered but drenching showers this last week. Did you guys see any of that?

July 11, 2011	#5
Elliot Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hicksville, New York Posts: 503	One question I have along these lines is this: My cherry and grape tomatoes never crack in the beginning of the season. In August and September they almost all crack unless I pick them, not yet ripe. why?