08/09/2025
🍅 Why Tomatoes Get Blossom-End Rot
Tomatoes develop blossom-end rot—a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit—due to a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. But it’s not always about how much calcium is in the soil; it’s often about how well the plant can absorb and transport it. Here's a breakdown of the main causes:
🌱 Root Causes of Blossom-End Rot
- Inconsistent watering: Fluctuations between dry and wet soil can disrupt calcium uptake.
- Low calcium levels in soil: Sometimes the soil simply lacks enough calcium.
- Excess nitrogen fertilizer: Promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit development, interfering with calcium distribution.
- Improper soil pH: If the pH is too low or too high, calcium becomes less available to the plant.
- Root damage: From transplant shock or cultivation too close to the roots.
- Container gardening: Plants in pots are more prone due to rapid moisture changes.
🛠️ How to Prevent It
- Keep soil moisture consistent—avoid letting it dry out completely or become waterlogged.
- Use a balanced fertilizer—not too heavy on nitrogen.
- Test and adjust soil pH—aim for around 6.5.
- Add calcium supplements if needed—like crushed eggshells, lime, or commercial calcium sprays.
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce fluctuations.
🍽️ Can You Eat Affected Tomatoes?
Yes! You can cut off the damaged portion and eat the rest. The rot isn’t caused by a disease, so it won’t spread to other fruits.
If you’d like, I can help you create a simple checklist for tomato care to prevent this in future seasons. Want to give your garden a boost?