Blossom End Rot

[Petee]

I've been asked for a diagnosis twice this week on the same problem. blossom end rot on Zebra tomatoes.  

 

First, Zebras are yellow and green when they are completely ripe, not light green and dark green.

 

 

Second, the blossom end rot will change the shape of the tomato slightly making it look wider.  Blossom end rot can happen on smaller or almost ripe tomatoes. 

 

Add calcium AND keep the soil evenly moist.  Also check your PH levels by doing a Penn State Soil Test ($9) every spring.  All three are problems that create blossom end rot, and Zebra Tomatoes are easily affected by it, the shape changes slightly and it appears flattened.can happen on smaller or almost ripe tomatoes.

 

If you have acid soils or have been bothered by blossom end rot, a handful of bone meal should can be added. water evenly and add calcium.  Only part of the crop will be affected, later tomatoes on the same plant will probably be unaffected.

 

 

 

 

[Harvey Mungaknuts]

these plants were given to SO   so I have no idea what kind of tomatoes we have here

 

[lavender]

I don't know that they have a name. They are just described as a yellow pear tomato. I've grown them before and they are open pollinated so you can save the seed. I think they are an heirloom. I see you have some splitting.

[Harvey Mungaknuts]

they came from life skills at the high school

 

What causes the split to litte or too much water?

[lavender]

Too little water followed by too much water. The tomato grows faster than the skin can expand.

[Petee]

When we buy those seeds, they are sold as Yellow Pear Tomatoes.  I've never seen them named anything else.

 

It can't be stated often enough to dig as much compost or bagged organic soil into the garden.  Water holding capacity depends on how much organic material is in there.  If our summers are all going to be drier in the future then either install drip irrigation and use it, water daily, or add organic materials and mulch to your garden.  Many things like blossom end rot, splitting, fruit drop and Early Blight can be controlled or completely stopped with better gardening practices.