Why Are My Tomatoes Cracking? 10 Common Causes and How to Prevent Split Tomatoes
Few things are more disappointing than walking into the garden to pick a beautiful, ripe tomato only to discover deep cracks running across the fruit. Tomato cracking is one of the most common problems gardeners face during the growing season, especially after heavy rain or inconsistent watering.
The good news is that cracked tomatoes are usually not caused by disease and, in many cases, they're still perfectly safe to eat if the cracks haven't begun to rot. More importantly, cracking is often preventable with a few simple gardening practices.
In this guide, we'll explain why tomatoes crack, the different types of cracks, how to prevent them, and what you can do to enjoy healthier, better-looking tomatoes throughout the season.
🌱 Shop All Tomato Seeds
https://www.trailingpetunia.com/search?q=tomato&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
🌱 Shop All Seed Collections
https://www.trailingpetunia.com/collections
🌱 Bulk Seed Packs
https://www.trailingpetuniabulkseeds.com/
Start With Quality Tomato Varieties
Healthy plants produce healthier fruit that often resists splitting better under changing weather conditions.
🛒 Buy Here – Tomato Marzito F1 Variety
A productive slicing tomato with excellent garden performance and vigorous growth.
🛒 Buy Here – Micro Tom Tomato Seeds
Perfect for containers and patios while producing plenty of delicious cherry tomatoes.
Why Do Tomatoes Crack?
Tomatoes crack when the inside of the fruit expands faster than the skin can stretch.
This usually happens after the plant suddenly takes up a large amount of water following a dry period.
The fruit grows rapidly, but the skin can't keep up, causing it to split.
Two Types of Tomato Cracks
Radial Cracks
These cracks run from the stem downward toward the bottom of the tomato.
They're often deeper and are commonly caused by sudden moisture changes.
Concentric Cracks
These circular cracks form around the stem.
They are usually shallower and often occur as tomatoes near full ripeness.
1. Inconsistent Watering
This is the number one cause of cracked tomatoes.
A plant allowed to dry out before receiving a heavy watering or rainfall quickly absorbs moisture, causing fruit to swell rapidly.
How to Prevent It
- Water deeply and consistently.
- Avoid letting soil become completely dry.
- Check moisture regularly during hot weather.
2. Heavy Rain After Dry Weather
A long dry spell followed by several inches of rain is almost guaranteed to cause cracking.
Tomatoes absorb water rapidly through their roots, and ripe fruit expands too quickly.
Mulching around plants helps reduce sudden moisture changes.
3. Tomatoes Left Too Long on the Vine
Very ripe tomatoes have thinner skins and are more likely to crack.
Harvest fruit as soon as it reaches mature color to reduce splitting.
ns and are more likely to crack.
Harvest fruit as soon as it reaches mature color to reduce splitting.
4. Heat Stress
Hot weather followed by cooler temperatures or rain can increase cracking.
Consistent watering helps reduce stress.
5. Large Tomato Varieties
Beefsteak tomatoes naturally crack more often than smaller cherry tomatoes.
This is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate poor growing practices.
6. Overwatering
Too much water all at once causes rapid fruit expansion.
Instead of giving occasional heavy soakings, maintain even soil moisture throughout the season.
7. Poor Mulching
Bare soil dries out quickly.
Applying mulch helps:
- Maintain consistent moisture
- Reduce evaporation
- Moderate soil temperatures
- Prevent sudden moisture swings
8. Nutrient Imbalances
Healthy plants produce stronger fruit skins.
Balanced fertilization supports better fruit development and helps reduce cracking.
9. Weather Fluctuations
Rapid swings between hot and cool weather can contribute to fruit splitting.
Unfortunately, weather can't be controlled, but consistent care helps minimize damage.
10. Variety Differences
Some tomato varieties naturally resist cracking better than others.
Choosing quality seed from reliable varieties can improve results year after year.
Can You Eat Cracked Tomatoes?
Usually, yes.
If the crack is fresh and the fruit hasn't started rotting, simply cut away the damaged area.
Discard tomatoes that show signs of mold, insects, or decay.
How to Prevent Tomatoes From Cracking
Simple habits make a big difference:
✅ Water consistently
✅ Apply mulch
✅ Harvest ripe fruit promptly
✅ Avoid overwatering
✅ Maintain healthy soil
✅ Fertilize appropriately
Healthy plants with steady growth almost always produce fewer cracked tomatoes.
Related Tomato Guides
🍅 How Often Should I Water My Tomato Plants?
🍅 How to Increase Tomato Yields in July and August
🍅 Why Does My Tomato Plant Look Sad?
Watch More Gardening Videos
▶️ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TrailingPetunia
Watch our greenhouse tours, tomato-growing tips, troubleshooting guides, and seed-starting videos to help you grow healthier plants and bigger harvests.
Explore Our Complete Gardening Network
Looking for even more flower growing guides, vegetable gardening tips, greenhouse advice, seed-starting tutorials, educational videos, and premium gardening resources? Visit our official Garden Starts Nursery Gardening Network to discover all of our growing guides, videos, social media communities, and gardening platforms in one convenient place.
🌿 Explore Our Complete Gardening Network for Growing Guides, Videos, Seed Starting Tips & More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do tomatoes split after it rains?
After a dry period, tomato plants quickly absorb large amounts of water. The fruit expands faster than the skin can stretch, causing cracks.
Are cracked tomatoes safe to eat?
Yes, if the cracks are fresh and the fruit isn't rotting. Simply cut away the damaged area before eating.
Can overwatering cause tomatoes to crack?
Yes. Large amounts of water taken up quickly can cause rapid fruit expansion and splitting.
Which tomatoes crack the most?
Large beefsteak varieties are generally more prone to cracking than smaller cherry tomatoes.
Does mulch help prevent cracked tomatoes?
Yes. Mulch helps maintain even soil moisture, reducing sudden changes that often lead to cracking.
Should I pick tomatoes before they're fully ripe?
Harvesting tomatoes as they reach mature color can reduce the chances of cracking while still allowing excellent flavor to develop.