It’s the Splits! How to Prevent Tomato Cracking and Splitting

Argh! How incredibly frustrating is it to discover your prize beefsteak tomato has split on the vine? Especially after nurturing it all summer and waiting until the peak of ripeness to pick it. Why did this happen?

There are several reasons why tomatoes will crack but the most common comes from the skies above: rain.

What Causes Fruit Cracking?

Tomatoes will crack, split, or sometimes even burst on the vine when the fruit absorbs water faster than its skin can expand.

This typically happens when the fruit is ripening and heavy rainfall occurs after dry weather. Overwatering and over-fertilizing plants can also cause cracking and splitting.  The condition tends to be more prevalent in large beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes – some varieties are genetically predisposed to cracking.  

While unripe tomatoes are less likely to crack, you may see some cracking near the fruit’s stem early in the season. This is especially true for large heirloom varieties. These blemishes often heal without causing problems to the fruit other than cosmetic (there goes the blue ribbon!).

It’s the Splits!

Cracks or splits can be concentric or radial. Concentric cracking is a series of rings circling the fruit and typically does not expose the flesh. However, you should watch these fruits closely at ripening as concentric cracks can burst due to excess water. Radial cracks split vertically along the side of the fruit, often exposing the flesh.   

It’s during the ripening stage when cracks and splits become a problem. Exposed flesh provides an entry point for bacteria leading to disease, rotting fruit, and attracting flies and yellow jackets. Cracked or split ripe tomatoes should be harvested and used as soon as possible, as the fruit will likely rot if left on the vine.

How to Minimize Cracks and Splits

Any tomato will crack or split if the conditions are right, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the issue.

• Grow crack-resistant varieties. Some tomatoes are bred to resist cracking and splitting. You’ll usually find this information in the description of the plant. A few popular resistant varieties include Black Cherry, Sungold, Yellow Pear, Pruden’s Purple, Rutgers, Box Car Willie, and San Marzano.
• Keep your soil consistently moist by applying a layer of mulch around plants. While you can’t prevent excessive rainfall, you can lessen the chance of splitting and cracking by keeping your garden soil moist.
• Avoid overwatering and cut back on watering during the ripening process.
• Pick tomatoes at the breaker stage – just as they are beginning to show a color change. Tomatoes will ripen just as well on the kitchen counter (out of direct sunlight) as on the vine. You’ll greatly reduce the chance of fruit splitting from late summer rains.     

By taking these preventative measures and being mindful of your watering practices, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, unblemished tomatoes. Remember, even if your tomatoes crack or split, they are still perfectly edible and can be used in various recipes. Just harvest them as soon as possible. Embrace the imperfections and savor the fruits of your labor – after all, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato!