Understand Why Tomatoes Split on The Vine (And What to Do)

Tomatoes split or crack on the vine due to inconsistency in the amount of water they receive. When you grow tomatoes in dry conditions or with little supply of water, they are likely to split after a heavy downpour. Irregular watering can also cause this problem.

An excess amount of water causes the inside tissues of tomato fruits to swell more than the outside skin, and hence, causing the split.

So, water your plants consistently throughout the growing season. It is even more important when your plants have started to form fruit. I highly recommend drip irrigation because it promotes deep and even watering.

Tomato Cracking on the Vine

Cracks on tomato fruits can appear in two different forms. They may appear vertically, running from the top of the fruit towards the bottom, or concentrically, in which the splits only appear at the top end of the fruit.

Concentric cracking is common on large tomato varieties such as heirloom beefsteak. It is not as severe as compared to vertical splitting. Severe splitting may expose the inner tissues of the tomato fruit. 

Sometimes, when the cracks are not severe, you may allow the tomato fruit to continue ripening on the vine. It is a good idea to remove severely affected fruits from the vine. Juices from the cracks can attract pests into your garden. Bacteria and fungi can also enter the fruit and cause rotting.  

So, what do you do with split tomatoes? They are safe to eat, but you have to examine them first. If the cracks are shallow and do not expose the inner tissues, you can go ahead and eat the fruit.

However, do not eat if the cracks are deeper or if the fruit is exhibiting symptoms such as a sour smell or oozing. 

How to Keep Tomatoes from Splitting on The Vine

Splits or cracks reduce the quality of tomatoes, especially if you are producing them for commercial purposes. Bacteria and other pathogens can also enter the fruit through the cracks and cause it to rot. Juices from the cracks can also attract pests into your garden.

So, how do you prevent tomatoes from splitting?

1. Water Evenly and Deeply

The health of your tomato plants and the quality of the fruits depend largely on how you water them. Tomato plants require at least an inch of water per week. Watering your plants excessively, especially when the fruits are almost ripe, can cause them to split. 

Watering tomatoes evenly and deeply once a week is better than frequent light watering. Water your plants only when the soil moisture is low. Dip your index finger into the soil near the base of your plants to determine if you need to water or not. If the soil feels moist, there is no need to water. 

Ensure the water is delivered at the base of the plant near the roots. Watering on the leaves or splashing water and soil on the leaves may encourage fungi or the spread of soil-borne diseases like blight and septoria leaf spot.

It is recommended to water your plants using a drip method. It ensures the plants are watered deeply and evenly. Also helps to minimize the impact of sudden heavy downpour. The plant will have adapted to excess water that may cause the fruits to split.

2. Choose Resistant Tomato Varieties

Some tomato varieties are prone to splitting as compared to others due to their soft and thin skin. Smaller or plum-shaped tomatoes are less likely to suffer from splitting as compared to round and larger tomato fruits. 

Examples of tomato varieties that are split-resistant include Sung Ella, Pink Bumble Bee, Gardener’s Delight, Rutgers, Beef master, and Big Boy. 

3. Improve Drainage of the Soil

Good drainage of garden soil plays a key role in preventing splitting in tomatoes. It’s a way of reducing excess water around your plants. Improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil, preferably before growing your tomatoes. Planting on raised beds may also help to drain away excess water after a heavy downpour. 

If you are growing tomatoes in containers, ensure the pots have drainage holes. Additionally, use loose soil that does not compact over time. Be sure to fertilize your plants with organic fertilizer every two weeks to replenish the nutrients that get lost when water drains out of the pot.

4. Apply Organic Mulch

Mulching helps to maintain a consistent amount of soil moisture and hence prevents tomatoes from splitting. It also helps to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil after decomposing.

Apply at least 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the plants. The best mulching material for tomatoes includes grass clippings, shredded bark or leaves, wheat or rice straws, pine needles, or wood shavings. 

5. Harvest your Tomatoes Early

The other way of preventing tomatoes from splitting is by picking them early. Tomatoes are tastier and juicier when allowed to ripen on the vine. However, you may not want to risk them when expecting a heavy downpour. 

Harvest tomatoes that are ready right before or immediately after the rainstorm and place them in a kitchen cabinet. Tomatoes that have begun to change color will be able to ripen fully off the vine. 

Fertilize Appropriately

Fertilize your tomatoes with a fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium when they are blossoming. It enhances the proper development of fruits. Incorporate organic matter or fertilizers like compost or fish emulsion to improve drainage and fertility. 

Final thoughts

Now that you know watering inconsistency is the main cause for tomatoes splitting on the vine. Make sure to water deeply and evenly, choose a tomato variety that is resistant to splitting or cracking, pick tomato fruits early, improve soil drainage, apply mulch, and use appropriate fertilizer.