What is Blossom-End Rot?
Blossom-end rot is a common problem that affects many garden vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and squash. If you notice a dark, sunken spot developing at the bottom of your fruits, this is a sign of blossom-end rot. This disorder occurs when the tissue at the blossom end of the fruit begins to break down and rot, reducing the quality of the fruit and the overall yield of the plant.
Blossom-end rot is not caused by a disease or pest but is a result of a calcium deficiency in the plant. This deficiency can be due to low calcium levels in the soil or, more often, inconsistent watering practices. When the soil is too wet or too dry, the plant cannot absorb calcium efficiently, leading to a breakdown of fruit tissues and the development of blossom-end rot.
Causes of Blossom-End Rot
Several factors can contribute to calcium deficiency during fruit formation:
- Excessive or insufficient watering
- High nitrogen fertilizers
- Incorrect soil pH levels
- High salt content in the soil
- Damage to the plant roots
Understanding these factors is crucial to preventing blossom-end rot in tomatoes and other vegetables. It is common to see blossom-end rot in the first fruits of the season, especially when the plants are under stress. Plants grown in containers are more susceptible because the soil can dry out quickly, affecting calcium absorption.
Symptoms
It usually appears while the fruit is still green or just beginning to ripen. It often affects the first fruits to form on the plant. The rot starts as a small, water-soaked spot at the blossom end of the fruit (opposite the stem). Over time, this spot darkens, sinks in, and may grow larger, potentially covering half of the fruit.
If the affected area is small, you can cut it off and still enjoy the rest of the fruit. However, it’s best to take steps to prevent the problem from spreading to other fruits.
How to Prevent ?
To prevent it, focus on maintaining consistent soil moisture and ensuring your plants have adequate calcium. Here are some tips to help:
Choose the Right Varieties
Start by selecting vegetable varieties that are more tolerant of calcium deficiencies and less likely to develop blossom-end rot.
Water Consistently
The most common cause of blossom-end rot is irregular watering. Ensure your plants receive a consistent and even supply of water. Aim for about 1 inch (or roughly 0.6 gallons) of water per square foot each week. If it rains heavily, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.
Use Mulch
Mulching helps retain soil moisture during dry periods, reducing the risk of moisture fluctuations that can lead to calcium deficiency.
Test Your Soil
Regular soil testing can help you monitor calcium levels and adjust as needed. If your soil is low in calcium, consider adding organic sources like lime, bone meal, or crushed eggshells to replenish it.
Check Soil pH
Maintaining a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5 is ideal for most vegetables, as it allows for optimal nutrient uptake. Use lime to adjust the pH if necessary, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-alkalizing.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can exacerbate blossom-end rot. Ensure your fertilizer is balanced and not too high in nitrogen, magnesium, or potassium, as these can interfere with calcium absorption. Use fertilizers that contain calcium and prefer those with nitrate nitrogen rather than ammonium nitrogen.
Handle Plants Carefully
Be gentle when working around your plants to avoid damaging their roots. Damaged roots can affect the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Plant Younger Plants
Consider planting younger, more adaptable plants, as they are better at managing stress and absorbing nutrients.
By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of blossom-end rot in your garden and enjoy a healthy, productive harvest. Watch our video on how to plant tomatoes properly to give your plants the best start.
