Tomato Blossom End Rot: Complete Treatment Guide
What is Tomato Blossom End Rot?
Symptoms
- Dark, leathery patch at the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit
- Initially small, water-soaked spots that enlarge and darken
- Affected area becomes sunken and leather-like in texture
- Can affect green or ripening fruits
- Usually appears when fruits are 1/3 to 1/2 grown
What Causes Tomato Blossom End Rot?
- Calcium deficiency in developing fruits
- Inconsistent watering leading to poor calcium uptake
- High soil salinity affecting calcium absorption
- Root damage limiting nutrient uptake
- Excessive nitrogen fertilization
- Too much or too little water
- High soil acidity (low pH) affecting calcium availability
How to Treat Tomato Blossom End Rot
Organic Treatments
- Apply crushed eggshells to soil for slow-release calcium
- Use bone meal as an organic calcium source
- Add dolomitic limestone to adjust pH and add calcium
- Apply compost tea to improve overall soil health
- Foliar spray with calcium-rich seaweed extract
Chemical Treatments
- Apply calcium nitrate fertilizer
- Use a balanced NPK fertilizer with added calcium
- Spray with calcium chloride solution
- Apply gypsum (calcium sulfate) to soil
Cultural Controls
- Maintain consistent soil moisture with regular watering
- Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture
- Avoid damaging roots when cultivating
- Improve soil drainage if needed
- Remove affected fruits to reduce plant stress
How to Prevent Tomato Blossom End Rot
- Test soil pH and calcium levels before planting
- Maintain soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for consistent watering
- Add calcium-rich amendments at planting time
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
- Practice crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops
- Choose resistant varieties when possible
Related Problems
-
Peppers - Blossom End Rot
Common calcium deficiency issue in all solanaceous crops
-
Eggplant - Blossom End Rot
Common calcium deficiency issue in all solanaceous crops