How to Fix Blossom End Rot Tomatoes

Vegetable Garden

Mar 22

blossom end rot tomatoes — An easy solution for blossom end rot

Updated 2/25/23

You've been working hard to grow the perfect tomatoes, but when you go out to harvest them, you find that they are rotting on the bottom.

This is a common problem also known as blossom end rot (BER) and it can be incredibly discouraging. Not only do your growing tomatoes look unappetizing, but all your hard work has gone to waste.

Don't worry! We have an easy solution for treating blossom end rot tomatoes so that you can enjoy a delicious salad from your own garden again soon. With our simple treatment plan, we'll help you get back on track with growing healthy and delicious tomatoes in no time!

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What is Blossom End Rot?

Tomato gardeners may find themselves stumped by the appearance of brown or black spots on the bottom of their developing fruit.

This common problem affects several vegetable plants including tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and melons.

Tomato rot presents as a water-soaked spot at one end which gradually broadens into sunken brown leathery spots that can become infected with secondary pathogens such as black fuzzy growths leading to complete rotten fruit.

Fortunately, this condition doesn't spread from plant to plant so prompt action can help manage its effects.

Blossom end rot is caused by insufficient calcium uptake due to inconsistent watering.

What Causes Blossom End Rot?

As your garden tomatoes blossom and ripen this summer, be on the lookout for blossom end rot.

Though it might look like a disease at first glance, rest assured - this is actually just the result of stress combined with insufficient calcium absorption due to irregular moisture levels.

Most gardens have adequate amounts of natural calcium in their soil available; however if water becomes too scarce or oversaturated throughout the season, careful monitoring may be necessary to ensure that your tomatoes get enough nourishment during their rapid development!

How to Control Blossom End Rot

If your tomatoes have been affected by blossom end rot, unfortunately, there is no magic spray or solution to reverse the damage.

Despite numerous solutions available online and among gardening communities, these methods do not target the root cause of this issue.

However, the good news is that you can still save your tomato plant. Here’s how.

Identify and remove all rotten bottom tomatoes

The first thing you need to do is identify all of the tomatoes that have blossom end rot.

Unfortunately, these tomatoes must be removed from the plant.

tomato end rot — I removed these tomatoes with end rot from the rest of the tomato plant.

Even though you must remove the affected fruit from the plant, the tomatoes are still edible.

You can just cut out the rotten part and eat the healthy part of the tomato.

Blossom end rot is not a disease or a bacteria, so it won’t continue to spread once the affected fruit is removed.

Consistent watering

“Inconsistent watering is the real crux of the problem.”

Widespread and consistent watering of the soil is necessary for your plants to access their regular source of calcium.

Tomato plants need about 1 inch of water per week either through direct watering or rainwater. And it is important that you water the roots not the leaves when you water your plant.

Tomatoes do not do well in intense heat and need regular watering.

RELATED: Here's How to Fix Leggy Tomato Seedlings and Get them Ready for Planting

How to Prevent Blossom End Rot

Preventing blossom rot is easier than treating blossom end rot.

Here are some tips to help you avoid black-bottom tomatoes and to have a healthy, thriving tomato plant.

Consistent Soil Moisture

Tomato plants require a steady supply of deep, consistent irrigation to ensure their long roots receive the necessary moisture and calcium.

Calcium needs plenty of water in order to move into the plant's tissues and avoid calcium deficiency yet overwatering should also be avoided as it can lead to waterlogged soil which prevents proper nutrient delivery and absorption.

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are great tools that will help you give your tomatoes just enough water without over- or underwatering them.

If growing tomatoes in containers, watering should happen even more often than with those grown outdoors - set up an automated system if possible for best results.

Apply Organic Mulch

For a healthy tomato harvest, get mulching!

Start early in the growing season by adding at least 2-3 inches of mulch or organic matter such as straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves to help regulate soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

Early preparation is key for preparing your garden and ensuring you have plenty of delicious tomatoes come summertime.

Test Soil's Ph

Ensure your garden soil is balanced for optimum growth!

A soil test is a cinch to carry out; I have personally tried it using Garden Tutor Ph test strips, and the results were extremely accurate.

A soil pH of 6.5 ensures important nutrients such as calcium are easily accessible to promote strong, healthy plants and vibrant blooms.

Proper Fertilization

In order to ensure your plants are healthy, it's best to begin the season with a balanced fertilizer.

Too much nitrogen can interfere with adequate calcium absorption in the early stages of growth, so steering clear of excessive fertilization is key – otherwise, blossom end rot could be around the corner!

Avoid Disturbing Plant Roots

Tomato plants have delicate roots that, when damaged, can weaken the plant's ability to absorb vital nutrients like calcium.

Under hot and dry weather conditions especially, any deep digging near these sensitive root networks could lead to stressed-out tomatoes with a reduced capacity for moisture - and thus less of this important nutrient calcium.