Status: 16/08/2023, 13:59 p.m.
By: Ines Alms
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Whether in a greenhouse or in the open field, when tomatoes burst, there can be not just one, but several causes. It may also be due to the variety.
Yesterday the tomatoes were still plump and red, but from one day to the next cracks appear on the flawless skin - sometimes even on unripe tomatoes. Almost nothing is more frustrating than spotting burst tomatoes on the bush. Such tomatoes can still be eaten, but they should be eaten soon after harvesting. Nevertheless, it is a major nuisance, but it can be prevented with a few simple steps. Here's why tomatoes burst open and how to effectively address this problem.
Why do tomatoes burst open?
Temperature changes are a common reason for tomatoes to burst open. © Panthermedia/Imago
Tomato bursting often occurs when the fruits are suddenly exposed to large fluctuations in the water supply during growth. But temperatures can also play a role. These are possible causes of cracking in the fruit:
- Irregular watering: If there is a sudden amount of watering after a prolonged period of drought, the tomatoes will absorb water faster than they can evaporate. This leads to pressure differences in the fruit and cracking.
- Sudden rain showers: A downpour after a dry period can have a similar effect to irregular watering. The tomato skin expands quickly, while the inside of the fruit reacts more slowly, which can cause the bursting.
- Strong temperature fluctuations: Especially towards autumn, the temperature differences between day and night can be large. If the waste is too strong, cracks will occur.
- Thick-skinned varieties: Varieties with thick skin are more prone to bursting because their outer layer is less elastic and thus less able to withstand pressure changes. Varieties with thin layers of skin, such as cherry tomatoes, are less prone to this than beef tomatoes.
- Too much fertilizer: Too much fertilizer will increase fruit growth without the skin of the tomatoes being able to keep up.
- Too much sun: If the cracks are more circular, there is a lot to be said for too much sunlight and thus sunburn.
How to prevent tomatoes from bursting
You have no influence on the weather, but with good care you can also reduce some other risk factors for the tomatoes to burst, depending on the cause. If you take care of regular watering, mulch, shading and timely harvesting, you will have less to worry about cracked fruits.
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For example, drip irrigation is ideal to avoid sudden water stress. If you cover the root area with a layer of mulch, you can get a constant soil moisture. Fertilizer applications should also be regular, but not excessive. And if you harvest the tomatoes before they are fully ripe, the fruits will still ripen after harvesting and will have less pressure inside. Avoid direct sunlight by shading plants from time to time. This also helps to minimize temperature fluctuations that can favor bursting. Perhaps helpful for the next season: some varieties are less prone to bursting.
This article was created with the help of machines and carefully reviewed by editor Ines Alms before publication.